Effectiveness of a simulation-based mastery learning to train clinicians on a novel cricothyrotomy procedure at an academic medical centre during a pandemic: a quasi-experimental cohort study.

Objectives: To develop and evaluate a simulation-based mastery learning (SBML) curriculum for cricothyrotomy using wet towels to suppress aerosolisation during a pandemic.

Design: Quasi-experimental, pre-post study.

Setting: Tertiary care, academic medical centre in Chicago.

Participants: Ear, nose and throat and general surgery residents, fellows and attendings.

Intervention: Cricothyroidotomy simulation-based mastery learning curriculum.

Outcomes Measure: Pretest to posttest simulated cricothyrotomy skills checklist performance.

Results: 37 of 41 eligible surgeons participated in the curriculum. Median pretest score was 72.5 (IQR 55.0-80.0) and 100.0 (IQR 98.8-100.0) for the posttest p<0.001. All participants scored at or above a minimum passing standard (93% checklist items correct) at posttest.

Conclusions: Using SBML is effective to quickly train clinicians to competently perform simulated cricothyrotomy during a pandemic.