Decreasing the Incidence of Postoperative Sore Throat in Surgical Patients with the Use of Glidescope Intubation Versus CMAC D Blade Laryngoscopy: An Educational Module

endotracheal intubation following surgery requiring general anesthesia, with reported rates ranging from 14% to 50% in varied surgical populations. This discomfort not only degrades the entire patient experience, but it can also result in consequences such as increased anxiety, delayed recovery, and dissatisfaction with the anesthesia procedure. Mechanical trauma and irritation from the endotracheal tube during intubation can induce inflammation and mucosal injury to the oropharynx and trachea. Various intubation procedures and equipment have been developed to reduce the occurrence of POST, with the Glidescope and CMAC D Blade gaining popularity. This quality improvement project aimed to provide valuable insight and education into the selection of intubation equipment, eventually guiding anesthesia clinicians to adopt practices that reduce the incidence of POST and improve the overall perioperative experience for patients undergoing general anesthesia. Method: Data gathered from peer-reviewed randomized controlled studies comparing the effectiveness of Glidescope and CMAC D Blade in reduction of POST helped guide this Quality Improvement Project (QIP). This quality improvement project uses a pre-post intervention design to determine the impact of an educational module on anesthesia providers' knowledge of postoperative sore throat (POST) incidence, risk factors, signs and symptoms, and the comparative effectiveness of Glidescope versus CMAC D Blade in reducing POST. The study involves nurse anesthesia providers that previously graduated from FIU. An evidence-based educational module is created, concentrating on essential POST-related topics. Prior to the educational intervention, participants complete a prequestionnaire to test their prior knowledge about POST. After completing the instructional module, participants completed a post-questionnaire that mirrors the pre-questionnaire. This enables the assessment of knowledge improvement in the aforementioned categories. Results: This quality improvement project had 15 participants (n = 15) who all agreed and consented to participate in an instructional educational program. After completing the educational module, the FIU Alumni demonstrated a better comprehension of POST as well as increased knowledge of Glidescope and CMAC D Blade and their implications in POST. This was demonstrated by an increase in correct responses when comparing pre-test and post-test results. The findings showed a considerable increase in certified registered nurse anesthetists’ (CRNAs) understanding of novel evidence-based strategies for treating POST and the utilization of Glidescope versus CMAC D Blade into their clinical practice. Discussion: The focus of this educational module was formulated to assess and enhance the knowledge of FIU Alumni CRNA’s regarding Postoperative Sore Throat incidence between using Glidescope videolaryngoscopy versus CMAC D blade videloaryngoscopy. After completing the educational module, the data achieved showed a resounding increase in knowledge regarding POST, and the incidence difference between both videolaryngoscopy techniques. The main limitation for the study include a small sample size (n = 15), which demonstrated that only 13 (n = 13) participants answered pre-test questions and 10 (n = 10) answered post-educational module questions. Considering the evidenced increase in correct responses, the educational module has been proven beneficial in educating the FIU alumni participants and enhancing knowledge, which will enhance clinical practice.