Impact of physician education and availability of parameters regarding esophageal pressure and transpulmonary pressure on clinical decisions involving ventilator management.

PURPOSE This study investigated the effects of physician education and the availability of Peso and PL data on physicians' decisions regarding ventilator management during specific simulated clinical conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was a prospective, before-after study using a case scenario-based questionnaire and a case simulator device comprising an Avea ventilator and an artificial lung and esophagus, which was connected to a Series 1101 Electronic Breathing Simulator. The 99 physicians participating in the study were provided with five simulated cases with on-time ventilator graphics without Peso and PL and completed a questionnaire on decisions they would make regarding ventilator management of the cases. Then, after receiving instruction on Peso and PL, they were given the same cases along with ventilator graphics that included Peso and PL. RESULTS After receiving instruction and data on Peso and PL, statistically significant numbers of physicians changed their answers regarding ventilator management decisions in all five cases. CONCLUSIONS Providing education and data for Peso and PL had a significant effect on physician decisions regarding ventilator management in simulated cases. The use of case scenario-based education with simulator devices for physicians may hasten worldwide understanding and clinical application of Peso and PL.