Results

 

 

Response Rate. The questionnaire forms were completed and returned by 82 (66 percent) of the 124 clinical directors; 54 and 28 forms were returned after the first and second mailing, respectively.

 

Data Evaluation. For this survey report on residency training in airway management (AM) techniques at anesthesia departments in Austria, the answers of 60 participating departments educating anesthesia residents during the year 2004 were evaluated; 42 of them had full authorization for education. The total number of anesthesia residents covered by this survey was 328.

 

Training of Advanced Airway Management Techniques. Structured training programs for advanced AM techniques, including at least  flexible bronchoscopy-assisted tracheal intubation, with airway rotations for at least one month were provided in 8 percent. Traditional training methods for advanced AM techniques using training opportunities in on variably assigned patients were provided in 72 percent; regular training and occasional training was offered in 32 and 40 percent, respectively. In 20 percent, AM training was restricted to face-mask ventilation, use of laryngeal mask airways, and conventional laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. Training of AM techniques on airway models was provided in 48 percent and training of difficult airway scenarios on simulation systems was offered in 10 percent.

 

Assessment of Performance. Formulated case number requirements for successfully performed AM techniques were provided in 20 percent and their performance was regularly checked in 18 percent.

 

Availability of Experienced Instructors. In 70 percent, at least one experienced instructor for teaching and training of anesthesia residents in advanced AM techniques was available.   

 

 

Discussion