Observer Tool Use and Learning Outcomes for Central Venous Catheter Insertion Training

Learning to insert a central venous catheter (CVC) is essential in anesthesiology and the use of simulation is recommended. Since 2017, this training has been integrated into the curriculum for incoming first year anesthesia residents in Île de France and combines a theoretical part (flipped classroom) and a practical part on a simulator. Given the large number of residents, the time to teach the procedure during the simulation session is limited. To increase the positive effects of the simulation when the learner is in the role of observer, some authors have proposed to strengthen the educational effect through the use of an observer tool that observers must complete by analyzing the progress of the task performed by their colleagues (2). This is a list describing the set of key points to be achieved. However, data concerning the educational value of these observer tools are limited. Studies on the use of these tools during crisis management training in the operating room assessed by high-fidelity simulation has been already conducted but not on their use during procedural simulation.

The objective of this study will be to assess the value of using an observer tool (OT) (including the key points during the insertion of an internal jugular CVC) to improve learning outcomes of incoming anesthesia residents during procedural simulation training.

This prospective and randomized study will be performed in the simulation center of Paris-Saclay University (LabForSIMS). This training takes place annually at the beginning of the first six-month rotation during an initial training seminar ("bootcamp"). All incoming residents (approximately 90 residents / year) participate on a mandatory basis.

Each CVC insertion training session includes a theoretical part carried out in the form of flipped classroom (sending pedagogical documents upstream) and a practical part on a simulator. Each practical session (1h30, about 7 residents/1 instructor) is repeated twice during the half-day. The workshop has three stages: theoretical reminder, supervised practice on echogenic gelatin to learn needling under ultrasound, then supervised practice on a CVC simulator (part task chest trainer allowing ultrasound visualization) for the insertion of CVC. Each resident trains at least once on this simulator and is an observer of the other training sessions.

After informed consent, residents will be included. Each session will be randomized upstream by:

• Group with observer tool (OT +) during practical training on a simulator
• Group without observer tool (OT-) The observer tool used will be adapted from a previously published checklist which includes the main items to be carried out when inserting a CVC. It will be completed by residents from the OT + group each time another resident is observed. It will only be used to reinforce learning and will not be used for summative evaluation.

The primary outcome will be a composite score describing acquisition of the CVC procedural skills immediately after training by comparing the groups using or not the OT (level 1-2-3 of the Kirkpatrick model). The composite score (used in one of our previous studies [Blanié A et al. 2021 submitted]) includes: knowledge MCQs (/ 20), perception of practical (/ 10) and theoretical (/ 10) improvement of knowledge and skills, perception of the future professional impact of this training (/ 10) and satisfaction with the training session (/ 10). All items scored out of 10 will be measured by a Likert scale from 0 to 10.

The secondary outcomes will include separate analysis of each item of the composite score. Moreover, initial retention will be analyzed at 1 month, using the same items as above. Evaluation of professional practice will also be recorded by the resident during the 1st month after the training and will include the number of CVCs placed and for each CVC insertion via the internal jugular route (for the first 5): the number of punctures, success or failure, complications (pneumothorax, arterial puncture, others) (level 3 and 4 of the Kirkpatrick model).

A reminder will be sent every two weeks and a medical book will be offered to each resident who will have fully completed the questionnaire.