The use of podcast videos for airway skills

Background For a procedure-driven specialty such as anaesthesiology, hands-on training has always been the primary method of teaching airway skills. Although this method will always be a necessary component, the current generation of learners tend to gravitate toward media as educational sources. We propose that the addition of watching a series of podcast videos on airway management will further enhance the medical student's procedural skills. Methods A total of 34 medical students scheduled for an anaesthesia rotation were randomised into two groups. Both groups received the conventional one-to-one hands-on training on airway skills in the operating room; however, the study group received an additional series of podcast videos on airway equipment, mask ventilation and intubation. At the end of the rotation, all of the students were given an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) on a mannequin. Results The study group who received the podcasts significantly out-performed the control group on the OSCE (p = 0.003). The mean score for the podcast video group was 94.4%, versus 76.5% in the control group. Commonly missed steps by the control group included checking the endotracheal tube balloon before intubation, taping the eyes and auscultation of the epigastrium and lungs. Discussion Our results showed that supplementing conventional hands-on training with contemporary channels such as podcast videos improved learners' procedural skills. The media format was relatable for these modern learners and provided the added benefit of self-paced learning. Overall, the podcast videos made a positive contribution to students learning airway techniques.