Implementation of a Spaced Learning Program for Educating CRNAs on a Scalpel-Bougie Cricothyrotomy Procedure for Emergency Front of Neck Access

Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) who are responsible for airway management, may lack adequate continuing education for emergency front of neck access (EFONA), an advanced skill necessary in situations when a patient cannot be intubated and cannot be oxygenated (CICO). The purpose of this study was to improve CRNA knowledge and confidence when performing a scalpel-bougie cricothyrotomy for EFONA in a CICO event through the implementation of a spaced learning intervention. Thirteen CRNAs at a 160-bed community hospital participated in a 3-week educational intervention. Week 1: online preintervention survey followed by an educational video. Week 2: video review and skills component practiced on a cricothyrotomy trainer. Week 3: skills component practiced on a cricothyrotomy trainer followed by postintervention survey. This was a single-arm study and Wilcoxon sign ranked tests and a paired t-test were utilized to monitor for change in CRNA knowledge, confidence, and skill in performing EFONA. Implementation of a 3-week spaced learning program for educating CRNAs to perform a scalpel-bougie cricothyrotomy significantly increased CRNA knowledge, confidence, and skill when performing EFONA. Utilizing a spaced learning program may therefore improve provider skills, resulting in optimized patient care during a CICO event, leading to improved patient safety and outcomes.