Initial validation of a modified suction task training system

BACKGROUND: Trainees rarely have the opportunity to practice suctioning copious or bloody secretions from the airways of patients in respiratory distress. The act of suctioning is frequently overlooked during the training of personnel in airway management and, thus, there is a dearth of simulated suction devices that can reproduce the fidelity of this process. OBJECTIVE: The authors describe their experience developing and obtaining initial validation of a modified suction task training system. METHODS: Senior-level students and faculty participated in the validation of this simulator. All participants used the modified Yankauer suction device in a simulated ‘mini’ scenario that required the use of suction. The panel of experts consisted of faculty from respiratory therapy, nursing and emergency medical services. After completion of the scenario, participants were asked to anonymously complete a survey. RESULTS: More than 94% (n=36) of students agreed or strongly agreed that the simulated oropharyngeal suction was an important component in their learning experience. The expert panel (n=11) strongly agreed that the modified Yankauer suctioning of oral secretions was an important component of student training and also strongly agreed that this apparatus would improve their students’ suctioning skills (82% for both questions). Similar to the students, 90% of the faculty believed strongly that the simulator worked well. DISCUSSION: The authors describe their experience developing and obtaining initial validation of a modified suction task training system that has both structural and functional fidelity, offering learners an opportunity to practice appropriate and effective suctioning in patients.