Exposure of Tracheostomy Education Well-Received During Pre-Clinical Head and Neck Physical Exam Course

Objective: Previous tracheostomy education programs have focused on many healthcare personnel populations including non-surgical residents and senior level medical students. However, the impact of tracheostomy educations programs on pre-clinical medical students has not been investigated. This pilot QI study aims to demonstrate that a concise hands-on tracheostomy education course can provide pre-clinical medical students adequate instruction and improve confidence in providing care for tracheostomy patients. Methods: This pilot quality improvement study included academic otolaryngologists across multiple subspecialties providing concise hands-on tracheostomy education as part of a mandatory head and neck physical examination course for all medical students. A mannequin with a tracheostomy was assigned to each small group and clinical situations were simulated. Time was allowed for questions and further independent practice. Students were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire prior to and following the course which included a knowledge assessment and inquiry on the confidence level of each scenario based on a rating of 1 (not confident) to 4 (very confident). Seventy-nine pre-clinical medical students completed both surveys. A two-sample paired t-test was utilized to compare changes in confidence and knowledge. Results:Of the 79 students who completed both surveys, 10% had previously participated in tracheostomy training. Scores for the confidence assessment increased by an average of 110% (p Conclusion: Pre-clinical medical students benefit from a tracheostomy education component included in their head and neck physical exam course. Feedback supported the course being well-received, well-timed, and appropriately concise.