Simulation training results in performance retention for the management of airway fires: A prospective observational study.

Given the severity of the consequences of operating room fires, it is recommended that every anaesthesiologist master fire safety protocols and periodically participate in operating room fire drills. The aim of the present study was to evaluate skill retention one year after an airway fire training programme. Anaesthesiology residents were evaluated using an airway fire simulation-based scenario one year after an educational programme that included a one-h long problem-based learning session, a simulation-based airway fire drill with debriefing, and a formal group discussion. The same simulation scenario was used for both the initial training and the one-year assessment. Thirty-eight anaesthesiology residents participated as pairs in the initial training programme. Of these, 36 participated in the evaluation a year later. Performance after one year was better than performance during the initial simulation. Time to removal of tracheal tube was 7.0 (4.0-12.8) s (median (interquartile range)) at the one-year assessment compared with 22.0 (18.5-52.5) s at the time of initial training (P < 0.001). Performance improvement was also demonstrated by a higher incidence of performance of crucial action items (cessation of airway gases, removal of sponges and pouring of saline), as well as shorter duration of time necessary to perform these tasks. After controlling the fire, the time to re-establish ventilation by bag-mask ventilation or intubation was shorter at one year: 18.0 (11.0-29.0 ) s, compared with initial training 54.0 s (36.2-69.8) s (P = 0.001). We conclude that skills are effectively retained for a year after an airway fire management training session.

Melatonin premedication improves quality of recovery following bariatric surgery - a double blind placebo controlled prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Melatonin has hypnotic, sedative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, and is a widely used sleep agent. OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to evaluate the effect of melatonin premedication on postoperative recovery in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. SETTING: University Hospital, Israel. METHODS: Patients undergoing bariatric surgery were randomized to receive either 5 mg melatonin (M group) or placebo (P group) once on the night before surgery and again 2 hours before surgery. Quality of recovery was assessed using the QoR-15, a 15 item questionnaire on quality of recovery after surgery and anesthesia, regarding emotional state, physical comfort, psychological support, pain, and physical independence. A maximal score of 140 suggested good recovery (1 question was omitted due to irrelevance). The patients answered the questionnaire in the preanesthesia clinic, on admission to the operating room, and on the first postoperative day. RESULTS: A total of 44 patients completed the study. There was no statistical difference between M and P groups in the mean QoR-15 scores obtained before the surgery. Mean postoperative QoR-15 score was higher in the M group compared with the P group (118.3±12.9 versus 107.8±18.7, respectively; P<.01). Scores were also higher in the M group regarding pain (P<.05) and quality of sleep (P< .05). CONCLUSIONS: Use of melatonin premedication improved the quality of recovery 1 day after bariatric surgery as measured by the QoR-15, specifically the quality of sleep and pain levels. Melatonin may serve as a premedication, especially when other options, like benzodiazepines are not recommended.