Published online May 20, 2022. doi: 10.5662/wjm.v12.i3.113
Peer-review started: December 17, 2021
First decision: March 24, 2022
Revised: March 27, 2022
Accepted: May 7, 2022
Article in press: May 7, 2022
Published online: May 20, 2022
Processing time: 152 Days and 10 Hours
The nursing officers are an integral part of medical team. They contribute in basic airway management and as an assistant in advanced airway management, which holds great significance in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
The pandemic has resulted in over-burdened medical staff with lack of adequate skills for airway management to handle this respiratory disease pandemic.
The primary research objective was to create an interactive online airway course to increase the ability of nursing officers in airway management of critically sick patients.
The training was conducted through live audio-visual lectures, case scenarios, and skill demonstrations through mannequin-based videos. The demonstrations for airway equipment, preparation of drugs, airway examination, and plans of airway management were done.
The mean score out of the total score of 20 was 8.47 ± 4.2 in the pre-test, while it was 17.4 ± 1.8 in the post-test (P < 0.001). After attending the program, 79% of participants felt that they were familiar with airway management techniques and protocols for COVID-19 patients. An increase in level of self-confidence was reflected in other parameters like performing laryngoscopy, Supraglottic airway insertion, and arrangement of necessary equipment as well.
The training of nursing staff from different subsets of practice in the safe practice of airway management can play a substantial role in ensuring access of life-saving treatment to COVID-19 patients, without compromising the safety of health care professionals.
This research has the potential to pave way for further large-scale research while confirming to incorporate similar training regimes aimed at improving the preparedness and skill of various health professionals to tackle this crisis efficiently.