New simulation-based airway management training program for junior physicians: Advanced Airway Life Support.

Background: All junior physicians in Taiwan were enrolled into a 3-month post-graduate year 1 (PGY1) course after Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) attack in 2003.

Aims: To develop and evaluate a new airway management training protocol by using an integrated course of lectures, technical workshops and medical simulations.

Methods: In each PGY1 course, the trainees participated in the Advanced Airway Life Support (AALS) program. After 2 h lecture, the trainees were divided into three groups for 4 h technical workshop, including 10 skill stations and medical simulation at the Clinical Skills Resources Center of the hospital at different times. Video-based debriefing and feedback were performed after each simulation. The same scenario was re-simulated after debriefing. Participants' performance was assessed by single global rating and a 5 key actions scoring.

Results: A total of 266 junior physicians have been trained with this AALS programs in 2 years. They learned the techniques of airway management, passed the performance checklist of technical workshop, and received higher scores during re-simulation regardless of scoring methods.

Conclusions: The AALS training program can provide methodical and systematic training for junior residents to mature with specialized technical skills and higher-order cognitive skills, behaviors and leadership in airway management.