SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-A Novel Simulation-Based Curriculum for Hospitalists Managing Tracheostomy Emergencies

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This single-center prospective study evaluated a new simulation-based curriculum to train 27 hospitalists in managing tracheostomy emergencies. The program addressed an important gap: tracheostomy complications are common, hospitalists often respond first, and many lack specific training.<br /><br />Participants completed four simulation cases involving common emergency scenarios: a cuff leak in a chronic tracheostomy, an occluded inner cannula in a fresh tracheostomy, total displacement of a fresh laryngectomy, and false-passage displacement of a fresh tracheostomy. In the formative session, each case was followed by debriefing and targeted education from an intensivist. Three months later, participants repeated the same scenarios in a summative session without debriefing until the end. Performance was scored using a standardized checklist.<br /><br />Complete data were available for 20 participants. Results showed strong improvement in self-confidence, rising from 2.1/5 before the formative session to 4.5/5 afterward. Overall performance also improved significantly, from 52% to 69% (p < 0.001). Three of the four cases showed significant gains in scores, while one case showed a nonsignificant decline. Improvements were not associated with years of hospitalist experience, prior tracheostomy emergency exposure, or participants’ subjective ratings of the simulation.<br /><br />Participants rated the task trainer highly for anatomy accuracy, tactile sensation, and realism, suggesting it effectively mimicked real-life airway anatomy and handling.<br /><br />Overall, the curriculum appeared to improve both confidence and clinical performance in managing tracheostomy emergencies. The authors conclude that this simulation-based approach may be a useful and generalizable educational model for hospitalists.

Asset Subtitle

Geoffrey Cloud

Meta Tag

Author List Brian Kaufman, Brian Reuland, Geoffrey Cloud, Hope Miodownik, Jonah Vernejoul, Raphael Rabinowitz

Category Research

Concept Tracheostomy

Concept Tracheostomy Emergency

Concept Cuff Leak

Concept Inner Cannula Occlusion

Concept Tube Displacement

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization New York University Grossman School of Medicine

Presenting Author Geoffrey Cloud

Track Education

Keywords

simulation-based curriculum

tracheostomy emergencies

hospitalists training

prospective study

airway management

simulation training

self-confidence improvement

clinical performance

task trainer realism

debriefing education

Tracheostomy

Tracheostomy Emergency

Cuff Leak

Inner Cannula Occlusion

Tube Displacement