Comparing Two Methods of Teaching Ventilation Skills, Laryngoscopy and Tracheal Intubation, in Anesthesiology Students

Introduction: Teaching some clinical skills to students of medicine and paramedics for the first time on patients is unsafe therefore, a number of skills are primarily practiced on models. This study was conducted in order to determine the effect of practical training in clinical skills center. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was performed on 60 students entering the university in 2003-2004. The intervention group received the training on clinical skills (ventilation, laryngoscopy, and tracheal intubation) in clinical skills center before stepping into clinic, but the control group did not receive the training. The performance of the students of both groups was evaluated at the end of the term through direct observation checklist and it was compared in two groups using descriptive test, Chi², and Fisher. The mean score of the investigated skills was compared by t test. Results: The difference of the accuracy rate of the skills of ventilation, laryngoscopy, and tracheal intubation in two groups of intervention and control was significant using Fisher test. In addition comparing the skill of chipset intubation and fixing it in trachea and the manner of fixation and making sure about its placement in two groups revealed a significant difference. Conclusion: Training and practical performance of critical skills on models before performing it on patient may reduce detriments due to lack of proficiency by improving students' abilities.