Evaluation of the effectiveness of an advanced airway simulation workshop through pre- and post-course assessments in a low-resource setting

Abstract

Background: Effective airway management is critical in anaesthesia, yet many trainees have limited exposure to high-stakes airway emergencies in real clinical settings. Simulation-based training (SBT) offers a safe environment to practise technical skills before applying them to patients.

Methodology: We conducted a single-centre, one-day SBT workshop on advanced airway management for 15 anaesthesia trainees, stratified by experience into < 2 years (n = 8) and ≥2 years (n = 7). Participants completed a standardized 20-mark MCQ exam before and after the workshop, hands-on stations (including cricothyroidotomy, video laryngoscopy and rigid bronchoscopy), and post-workshop feedback on 0–5 Likert scales. A structured 4-step cricothyroidotomy assessment (stab, twist, bougie, tube; total score 0–4) was repeated at 6 months to evaluate retention. Descriptive statistics and paired-samples tests were used, with P < 0.05 considered significant.

Results: Both less experienced and more experienced trainees showed statistically significant improvements in total MCQ scores following the workshop, with larger gains in the more experienced group and greatest improvements seen in high-acuity procedural components. Participants rated all stations highly on satisfaction and perceived usefulness. At 6-month follow-up, 13/15 trainees completed the cricothyroidotomy assessment; the majority achieved scores ≥3/4 and no trainee scored <2/4, indicating retention of basic procedural competence.

Conclusion: A structured, low-cost SBT workshop in advanced airway management significantly improves anaesthesia trainees’ knowledge and procedural skills and is associated with high self-reported satisfaction. Such simulation programs are feasible in resource-limited settings and should be more widely integrated into anaesthesia training curricula.

Keywords: Simulation-based training, Airway management, Anesthesia education, Clinical skills, Medical simulation, Low-resource settings

Citation: Andrabi B, Afzaal A, Khan AA, Saleem H. Evaluation of the effectiveness of an advanced airway simulation workshop through pre- and post-course assessments in a low-resource setting. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2025;30(2):xxxxxxxx. DOI: 10.35975/apic.v30i2.xxxx

Received: November 05, 2025; Revised: December 03, 2025; Accepted: December 03, 2025