Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Spanish version of the Anesthetists' Non-Technical Skills (ANTS) assessment tool.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Establish the transcultural validity of Anesthetists Non-Technical Skills (ANTS) in a Spanish-speaking country. DESIGN: Prospective cohort. SETTING: Clinical simulation center. SUBJECTS: Forty-two Anesthesia PY2 and PY3 residents participated in the study. INTERVENTIONS: Four clinical scenarios simulating anesthesia crises were assessed with a Spanish version of ANTS. Every simulated scenario was run twice with a time span of 3 to 4 months between them. MEASUREMENTS: Two anesthesiologists independently assessed all simulated sessions using ANTS. The ANTS indicators of construct validity were obtained by confirmatory factor analysis. Various goodness-of-fit indices of the factorial model were calculated: Comparative Fit Index (CFI); Tucker-Lewis Adjustment Index (TLI) and Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA). The standardized factor loadings and the determination coefficient (R2) was also estimated. MAIN RESULTS: A total of 212 clinical scenarios were analyzed. The specified factorial model had the same grouping of elements in four domains as the original version of ANTS. The CFI index and the TLI were 0.99 and the RMSEA reached 0.07 (95% CI 0.06-0.08). All the standardized factor loadings were found to be >0.4. Also, the elements obtained an R2 value that fluctuated between 0.54 and 0.92. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish version of ANTS is a valid, reliable and a useful tool to assess non-technical skills in Spanish-speaking countries. The applicability of the instrument was comparable to the original setting. The high reliability of ANTS in our setting allows us to propose its use not just in an educational and research setting; it can be used as an assessment tool of non-technical skills.

Implementación del Primer Examen Clínico Objetivo Estructurado (ECOE) para la Certificación de la Especialidad en Anestesiología en Chile

Anesthesiology became the first Chilean medical specialty certification board to incorporate an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) into its certification system. The main reason for the introduction of an OSCE is to include an evaluation that allow candidates to demonstrate what they really "do" in clinical practice domains. Inherent in this justification is that the OSCE detects competences that are not well evaluated in current written and oral exams. This article describes the process of implementing an OSCE in Anesthesiology certification and a description of its application after one year of operation.

[Implementation of an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) for Anesthesiology Certification in Chile]. / Implementación del Primer Examen Clínico Objetivo Estructurado (ECOE) para la Certificación de la Especialidad en Anestesiología en Chile.

Anesthesiology became the first Chilean medical specialty certification board to incorporate an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) into its certification system. The main reason for the introduction of an OSCE is to include an evaluation that allow candidates to demonstrate what they really "do" in clinical practice domains. Inherent in this justification is that the OSCE detects competences that are not well evaluated in current written and oral exams. This article describes the process of implementing an OSCE in Anesthesiology certification and a description of its application after one year of operation.

Acquiring skills in malignant hyperthermia crisis management: comparison of high-fidelity simulation versus computer-based case study / Adquirir habilidades no manejo de crises de hipertermia maligna: comparação de simulação de alta-fidelidade versus estudo de caso em computador

Abstract Introduction: The primary purpose of this study was to compare the effect of high fidelity simulation versus a computer-based case solving self-study, in skills acquisition about malignant hyperthermia on first year anesthesiology residents. Methods: After institutional ethical committee approval, 31 first year anesthesiology residents were enrolled in this prospective randomized single-blinded study. Participants were randomized to either a High Fidelity Simulation Scenario or a computer-based Case Study about malignant hyperthermia. After the intervention, all subjects' performance in was assessed through a high fidelity simulation scenario using a previously validated assessment rubric. Additionally, knowledge tests and a satisfaction survey were applied. Finally, a semi-structured interview was done to assess self-perception of reasoning process and decision-making. Results: 28 first year residents finished successfully the study. Resident's management skill scores were globally higher in High Fidelity Simulation versus Case Study, however they were significant in 4 of the 8 performance rubric elements: recognize signs and symptoms (p = 0.025), prioritization of initial actions of management (p = 0.003), recognize complications (p = 0.025) and communication (p = 0.025). Average scores from pre- and post-test knowledge questionnaires improved from 74% to 85% in the High Fidelity Simulation group, and decreased from 78% to 75% in the Case Study group (p = 0.032). Regarding the qualitative analysis, there was no difference in factors influencing the student's process of reasoning and decision-making with both teaching strategies. Conclusion: Simulation-based training with a malignant hyperthermia high-fidelity scenario was superior to computer-based case study, improving knowledge and skills in malignant hyperthermia crisis management, with a very good satisfaction level in anesthesia residents.

Resumo Introdução: O objetivo primário deste estudo foi comparar o efeito da simulação de alta-fidelidade versus autoestudo baseado em resolução de casos no computador, a aquisição de habilidades sobre hipertermia maligna em residentes de anestesiologia do primeiro ano. Métodos: Após a aprovação do Comitê de Ética institucional, 31 residentes de anestesiologia do primeiro ano foram inscritos neste estudo prospectivo, randômico e encoberto. Os participantes foram randomizados para um ambiente de simulação de alta-fidelidade (SAF) ou um estudo de caso (EC) em computador sobre hipertermia maligna. Após a intervenção, o desempenho de todos os indivíduos foi avaliado através de um ambiente de simulação de alta-fidelidade utilizando uma rubrica de avaliação previamente validada. Além disso, uma pesquisa de satisfação e testes de conhecimento foram aplicados. Por fim, uma entrevista semiestruturada foi realizada para avaliar a autopercepção do processo de raciocínio e da tomada de decisão. Resultados: Vinte e oito residentes do primeiro ano concluíram o estudo com sucesso. Os escores dos residentes na aquisição de habilidades no manejo da hipertermia maligna foram globalmente maiores no Grupo SAF que no Grupo EC, mas a significância foi em quatro dos oito elementos da rubrica de desempenho: reconhecer os sinais e sintomas (p = 0,025), priorizaras ações iniciais do manejo (p = 0,003), reconhecer complicações (p = 0,025) e comunicação (p = 0,025). As médias dos escores nos questionários de conhecimento pré- e pós-teste melhoraram de 74% para 85% no Grupo SAF e diminuíram de 78% para 75% no Grupo EC (p = 0,032). Em relação à análise qualitativa, não houve diferença nos fatores que influenciaram o processo de raciocínio e de tomada de decisão dos alunos com ambas as estratégias de ensino. Conclusão: O treinamento baseado em simulação com um ambiente de alta-fidelidade de hipertermia maligna foi superior ao estudo de caso em computador, melhorou o conhecimento e as habilidades no manejo de crises de hipertermia maligna, com um nível de satisfação muito bom entre os residentes de anestesia.

[Acquiring skills in malignant hyperthermia crisis management: comparison of high-fidelity simulation versus computer-based case study]. / Adquirir habilidades no manejo de crises de hipertermia maligna: comparação de simulação de alta­fidelidade versus estudo de caso em computador.

INTRODUCTION: The primary purpose of this study was to compare the effect of high fidelity simulation versus a computer-based case solving self-study, in skills acquisition about malignant hyperthermia on first year anesthesiology residents. METHODS: After institutional ethical committee approval, 31 first year anesthesiology residents were enrolled in this prospective randomized single-blinded study. Participants were randomized to either a High Fidelity Simulation Scenario or a computer-based Case Study about malignant hyperthermia. After the intervention, all subjects' performance in was assessed through a high fidelity simulation scenario using a previously validated assessment rubric. Additionally, knowledge tests and a satisfaction survey were applied. Finally, a semi-structured interview was done to assess self-perception of reasoning process and decision-making. RESULTS: 28 first year residents finished successfully the study. Resident's management skill scores were globally higher in High Fidelity Simulation versus Case Study, however they were significant in 4 of the 8 performance rubric elements: recognize signs and symptoms (p = 0.025), prioritization of initial actions of management (p = 0.003), recognize complications (p = 0.025) and communication (p = 0.025). Average scores from pre- and post-test knowledge questionnaires improved from 74% to 85% in the High Fidelity Simulation group, and decreased from 78% to 75% in the Case Study group (p = 0.032). Regarding the qualitative analysis, there was no difference in factors influencing the student's process of reasoning and decision-making with both teaching strategies. CONCLUSION: Simulation-based training with a malignant hyperthermia high-fidelity scenario was superior to computer-based case study, improving knowledge and skills in malignant hyperthermia crisis management, with a very good satisfaction level in anesthesia residents.

Effect of acute arterial hypertension on morphine requirements and postsurgical pain.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The study objective was to establish the impact of acute hypertension on morphine's requirements after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. DESIGN: The design was a randomized, simple blinded study. SETTING: The settings were operating room, postoperative recovery area, and first postoperative day. PATIENTS: There were 50 patients, American Society of Anesthesiologists I-II, aged 18-50 years, undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy with general anesthesia. INTERVENTIONS: Anesthetic management was standardized using propofol for induction, isoflurane for bispectral index (BIS) ranging between 40 and 60, and remifentanil maintained at a constant rate of 0.4 µg kg per minute throughout surgery in all patients. Once intubated, patients were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 groups: hypertensive group: systolic arterial blood pressure was maintained with phenylephrine infusion 20%-30% over baseline; control group: systolic arterial blood pressure was maintained 20%-30% below baseline. All surgical incisions were infiltrated with bupivacaine 0.5%, and every patient received ketorolac 60 mg intravenous. Patient-controlled analgesia with morphine intravenous was used for postoperative analgesia. MEASUREMENTS: Pain visual analogue scale scores, arterial blood pressure, and hyperalgesia were assessed at recovery room every 15 minutes during the first 2 postoperative hours and then at 6, 12, and 24 postoperative hours. Cumulative morphine consumption was registered at 2 and 24 postoperative hours. MAIN RESULTS: The cumulative morphine consumption in the control group was around 18 mg compared with 6 mg in the hypertensive group (P = .019). During the first 75 minutes after surgery, the control group had higher visual analogue scale score pain compared with hypertensive group (P = .005). CONCLUSIONS: The intraoperative acute generation of mild hypertension with phenylephrine reduced postoperative morphine consumption and pain scores after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Validation and piloting of direct observation of practical skills tool to assess intubation in the Chilean context.

BACKGROUND: The use of Workplace-Based Assessment (WBA) has increased in recent years. AIMS: To create a modified version of Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS) adapted to the Chilean context and establish its psychometric properties. METHODS: The content validity of DOPS was established through interviews and consensus survey. To be included in the new version, the respective domain should have been considered by over 80% of interviewers and it should have a Content Validity Index (CVI and kappa statistic over 0.78 and 0.6, respectively. For four months, the new DOPS was used to assess the intubation skills of the anesthesia trainees. Generalizability theory was used to establish reliability and internal consistency. RESULTS: The interview suggested a DOPS with twelve domains. All were included in the final version as the CVI and kappa values were above 0.9 and 0.8, respectively. 585 procedures were assessed. The G coefficient was 0.90. The intubation needs to be assessed with DOPS at least six times to obtain a G coefficient of 0.80. CONCLUSIONS: The modified DOPS was a valid, reliable and practical tool for assessing the intubation procedure. Effort needs to be made to improve the staff's feedback skills.

Performance of the cerebral state index during increasing levels of propofol anesthesia: a comparison with the bispectral index.

BACKGROUND: The cerebral state monitor is a new device to measure depth of anesthesia. In this study we compared the cerebral state monitor with the bispectral index (BIS) monitor during propofol anesthesia. METHODS: Fifteen healthy patients received a continuous infusion of propofol (300 mL/h). The cerebral state index (CSI) and the BIS values were recorded until burst suppression ratio > or =60%. Baseline variability, prediction probability, and agreement analysis between indices were evaluated. Clinical markers of loss of consciousness were also assessed. RESULTS: Mean awake BIS and CSI values were 95.6 and 91.6, respectively (P = 0.01). BIS and CSI prediction probability values (mean +/- sd) were estimated to be 0.87 +/- 0.08 and 0.86 +/- 0.08, respectively (NS). The CSI tended to stabilize at values of 60-40 when estimated propofol concentrations at the effect site increased from 5 to 8 mug/mL. The BIS stabilized at values of 40-20 when the propofol concentrations at the effect site increased from 7 to 10 mug/mL. The mean BIS-CSI difference was -7.4 with 95% limits of agreement of 22.2 and -36.9. The BIS and CSI correlation with the burst suppression ratio was -0.60 and -0.97, respectively (P < 0.01). Predicted BIS and CSI values for loss of eyelash reflex in 50% and 95% of the patients were different (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The overall performance of both monitors during propofol induction was similar. However, the different dynamic profiles of these monitors indicate that BIS may be a more useful index for evaluating intermediate anesthetic levels, whereas CSI may be better for evaluating deeper anesthetic levels.