Virtual Reality Simulation for Pediatric Airway Intubation Readiness Education

Background The objective of this study was to provide education to inexperienced trainees regarding preparation for airway intubation using virtual reality (VR) tutorial and comparison of performance with that of experienced trainees without VR training. We hypothesized that after the VR tutorial, junior fellows and residents will have comparable recall of the proper steps as experienced trainees. Methods This project was initiated in the pediatric intensive care unit from July 1, 2019, to July 30, 2019. Volunteer residents and pediatric critical care medicine fellows participated. The VR group completed a 19-minute immersive tutorial and then demonstrated learned skills with a traditional manikin. Non-VR group fellows listed steps to prepare for airway intubation from memory with scoring on a 24-point timed checklist. Results Seventeen subjects participated; two residents were excluded. The VR group had seven trainees (47%) and scored similarly to the other group based on checklist items (50.5% vs 50.8%, P=1). Conclusion VR technologies can be used for education in preparation for pediatric airway intubation. There was no difference in the performance accuracy between the two groups. Larger studies are essential to study benefits of VR in preparation and performance of airway intubation.