Perioperative laryngospasm management in paediatrics: a high-fidelity simulation study

Aim Paediatric anaesthesia is a very specialised domain lacking training during the traditional curriculum. The laryngospasm is a stressful and life-threatening event that requires immediate action. The main objective of this study was to assess the effect of knowledge of a simple algorithm on the management of laryngospasm by trainee anaesthetists and nurse anaesthetists during a high-fidelity simulation session. Method Residents in paediatric anaesthesia and training nurse anaesthetists with similar curriculum were randomly allocated to undergo a simulation session of laryngospasm with the help of a simple algorithm administered to them 5 min before the simulation session (group A) or as taught in their curriculum (group C). The primary endpoint was the assessment score of laryngospasm management using 10 technical items (validated in experienced paediatric anaesthetists). Secondary endpoints were: the non-technical skills using the Anaesthetists' Non-Technical Skills (ANTS) score and timing of critical management steps. The correlation between the technical and non-technical scores was also studied. Data are expressed as median (range). Results 72 participants (18 teams in each group) were included in this study. There was a statistically significant difference between group A and C on the primary endpoint: 8.5 (2-10) vs 5 (2-8), respectively (p<0.0001). There was also a significant difference between the two groups for the ANTS score 12 (7-16) vs 8 (6-12), respectively (p<0.0001). No difference in timing of management was observed. Finally, there was a strong correlation between the technical skills and all the non-technical skills categories in the A group. Conclusion A simple algorithm improved the technical and non-technical skills of students during the management of a simulated laryngospasm.