“Rapid sequence induction”—an anaesthesiology boot camp

The novice anaesthesiology trainee must rapidly assimilate the cognitive, technical and non-technical skills necessary to competently respond to critical events in their new role. Providing trainees with the safe and controlled environment of high-fidelity patient simulation is one method to compensate for gaps in trainee experience, offering the potential for effective training. An anaesthesiology boot camp was set up to increase the knowledge, clinical, technical and non-technical competencies of the novice trainee, creating a framework for their future learning and practice. Anaesthetic nurses also attended to incorporated teamwork and collaboration into the boot camp.

Seven novice anaesthesiology trainees and 3 anaesthetic nurses attended 3 4-h boot camp sessions. The boot camp consisted of the following: (1) interactive didactic lectures; (2) task-trainer technical skills teaching; and, (3) high-fidelity simulations. Pre- and post-course evaluation forms including a multiple-choice-questions (MCQ) assessing knowledge were completed.

We have created the first Irish anaesthesiology boot camp, demonstrating the important role that simulation has in enhancing medical education. Our results showed both knowledge attainment and participant satisfaction in this method of learning. Anaesthesiology boot camps are the ideal method to provide novice trainees with a framework for their initial introduction into anaesthesia.