Evaluation of a Standardized Program for Training Practicing Anesthesiologists in Ultrasound-Guided Regional Anesthesia Skills.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

OBJECTIVES: Practicing anesthesiologists have generally not received formal training in ultrasound-guided perineural catheter insertion. We designed this study to determine the efficacy of a standardized teaching program in this population. METHODS: Anesthesiologists in practice for 10 years or more were recruited and enrolled to participate in a 1-day program: lectures and live-model ultrasound scanning (morning) and faculty-led iterative practice and mannequin-based simulation (afternoon). Participants were assessed and recorded while performing ultrasound-guided perineural catheter insertion at baseline, at midday (interval), and after the program (final). Videos were scored by 2 blinded reviewers using a composite tool and global rating scale. Participants were surveyed every 3 months for 1 year to report the number of procedures, efficacy of teaching methods, and implementation obstacles. RESULTS: Thirty-two participants were enrolled and completed the program; 31 of 32 (97%) completed the 1-year follow-up. Final scores [median (10th-90th percentiles)] were 21.5 (14.5-28.0) of 30 points compared to 14.0 (9.0-20.0) at interval (P < .001 versus final) and 12.0 (8.5-17.5) at baseline (P < .001 versus final), with no difference between interval and baseline. The global rating scale showed an identical pattern. Twelve of 26 participants without previous experience performed at least 1 perineural catheter insertion after training (P < .001). However, there were no differences in the monthly average number of procedures or complications after the course when compared to baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Practicing anesthesiologists without previous training in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia can acquire perineural catheter insertion skills after a 1-day standardized course, but changing clinical practice remains a challenge.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Mariano, ER; Harrison, TK; Kim, TE; Kan, J; Shum, C; Gaba, DM; Ganaway, T; Kou, A; Udani, AD; Howard, SK; ADAPT (Anesthesiology-Directed Advanced Procedural Training) Research Group,

Published Date

  • October 2015

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 34 / 10

Start / End Page

  • 1883 - 1893

PubMed ID

  • 26384608

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1550-9613

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.7863/ultra.14.12035

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • England