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Abstract
Please confirm that an ethics committee approval has been applied for or granted: Not relevant
Background and Aims Background: Adopting ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia (UGRA) is challenged by the need for standardized training, particularly in resource-limited settings like the Philippines. Simulation-based workshops using live-anesthetized porcine models present an innovative approach to enhance anesthesiologists’ proficiency in UGRA, potentially improving patient outcomes and procedural efficiency. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the impact of simulation-based training using live-anesthetized porcine models in enhancing anesthesiologists’ proficiency in performing ultrasound-guided Plan-A blocks.
Methods Methods: Following Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee approval, this retrospective, quasi-experimental study used the responses from a validated survey of 29 anesthesiologists of different skill levels who participated in a workshop conducted at SLMC-BGC in October 2023 aimed at improving proficiency in performing ultrasound-guided Plan-A Blocks using live-anesthetized porcine models. Their demographic characteristics and pre- and post-workshop survey responses were gathered and quantitatively analyzed.
Results Results: Prior to the workshop, the proficiency of the anesthesiologists was measured in terms of basic sonoanatomy, ergonomics, equipment preparation, image acquisition, needle manipulation, optimal needle tip position, hydrolocation, overall confidence and anxiety level were all on the average. After the workshop, all these variables significantly increased to a high level (p <.001), while their overall anxiety level significantly decreased to a low level (p =.023).
Workshop attendees performing ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block on a live anesthetized porcine model
Ultrasound image showing the implementation of the erector spinae plane block on an anesthetized porcine model; erector spinae muscle (ESM), transverse process (TP), needle (arrows)
Mean proficiency scores of the anesthesiologists before and after the training on ultrasound-guided plan-A blocks
Conclusions Conclusions: The study underscores the value of simulation-based training in enhancing the proficiency of anesthesiologists in UGRA. The positive outcomes suggest that these models could be a potential educational tool integrated into regional anesthesia training modules, positively impacting patient safety and quality of care delivered in the Philippines and similar settings