Use of GoPro point-of-view camera in intubation simulation—A randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION: Teaching endotracheal intubation is uniquely challenging due to its technical, high-stakes, and highly time-sensitive nature. The GoPro is a small, lightweight, high-resolution action camera with a wide-angle field of view that can encompass both the airway as well as the procedurist’s hands and positioning technique when worn with a head mount. We aimed to evaluate its effectiveness in improving intubation teaching for novice learners in a simulated setting, via a two-arm, parallel group, randomized controlled superiority trial with 1:1 allocation ratio. METHODS: We recruited Year 4 medical students at the start of their compulsory 2-week Anesthesia posting. Participants underwent a standardized intubation curriculum and a formative assessment, then randomized to receive GoPro or non-GoPro led feedback. After a span of three months, participants were re-assessed in a summative assessment by blinded accessors. Participants were also surveyed on their learning experience for a qualitative thematic perspective. The primary outcomes were successful intubation and successful first-pass intubation. RESULTS: Seventy-one participants were recruited with no dropouts, and all were included in the analysis. 36 participants received GoPro led feedback, and 35 participants received non-GoPro led feedback. All participants successfully intubated the manikin. No statistically significant differences were found between the GoPro group and the non-GoPro group at summative assessment (85.3% vs 90.0%, p = 0.572). Almost all participants surveyed found the GoPro effective for their learning (98.5%). Common themes in the qualitative analysis were: the ability for an improved assessment, greater identification of small details that would otherwise be missed, and usefulness of the unique point-of-view footage in improving understanding. CONCLUSIONS: The GoPro is a promising tool for simulation-based intubation teaching. There are considerations in its implementation to maximize the learning experience and yield from GoPro led feedback and training.