Using Smartphone Application iLarynx to Teach Novices to Perform Fiber Optic Intubation
The aim of the study was to investigate whether the fiber optic intubation learning process is more efficient when the app is being used.
Methods. It was a randomised, controlled, single-blinded trial. Medical students (n=54) were taught about fiber optic intubation in a theoretical lecture, after which they were divided into two groups: G1 – iLarynx training (n=28), and G2 – no additional training (n=26). G1 was instructed to use the iLarynx app for a month. After a month, students’ skills were tested with the help of moulages. The duration of the task fulfilment was assessed. The data of subjective performances were analysed using Mann-Whitney one-way analysis of variance. The rate of intubation failure was analysed by the Pearson chi-square test. Permission of the Bioethics Centre of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences No. BEC-MF-536 was obtained.
Results. There was no significant difference in the duration of intubation between the groups (G1 56.46±17.825 s, G2 58.04±29.26 s, P=0.634). Then, 27 students (50.0%, n=54) who had previous experience with endotracheal intubation were divided between the groups (G1 – 13 students, G2 – 14 students, P=0.768). G1 used the iLarynx app from 1 to 10 times a week with the median of 3 times a week. G1 students used the app significantly more often if they had previous endotracheal intubation experience (P=0.04).
Conclusion. The data show no significant change in the fiber optic intubation learning efficiency. The motivation to practice is greater when a student already has experience in the particular field.
Correspondence to . Department of Anaesthesiology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eivenių 2, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania. E-mail: dalia.ranceviene@gmail.com