Evaluation of a Novel Animal Model for Teaching Intubation

Abstract

Background: Medical colleges, which face dwindling financial resources, are often forced to rely on inexpensive means of providing students with relevant learning opportunities. Purposes: In this article, we present an evaluation of a novel animal model to be used to teach medical students, resident physicians, and allied health personnel advanced airway management skills, namely, endotracheal intubation. Methods: Over 3 years of regularly scheduled teaching laboratories, 140 students had exposure to both a traditional teaching manikin and a whitetail deer head on which to learn rescue airway techniques. We measured participants on successfully completing an intubation, and we timed them to determine length of time to complete it. Participants also rated the experience across a variety of dimensions. Results: Students reported being very satisfied with the learning experience and were able to perform the techniques more quickly and accurately using the animal model. Conclusions: The deer airway model is superior to the manikin airway model in teaching endotracheal intubation to students. It should be considered as a viable alternative in medical education settings.