Validity and reliability of metrics for translation of regional anaesthesia performance from cadavers to patients

Graeme McLeod (Lead / Corresponding author), Mel McKendrick, Alasdair Taylor, Joanna Lynch, Jean Ker, Amy Sadler, Jayne Halcrow, Gary McKendrick, Ayman Mustafa, Jonathan Seeley, Pavan Raju, George Corner

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Citations (Scopus)
73 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Background: Our goal is to develop metrics that quantify the translation of performance from cadavers to patients. Our primary objective was to develop steps and error checklists from a Delphi questionnaire. Our second objective was to show that our test scores were valid and reliable.

Methods: Sixteen UK experts identified 15 steps conducive to good performance and 15 errors to be avoided during interscalene block on the soft-embalmed cadaver and patients. Thereafter, six experts and six novices were trained, and then tested. Training consisted of psychometric assessment, an anatomy tutorial, volunteer scanning, and ultrasound-guided needle insertion on a pork phantom and on a soft-embalmed cadaver. For testing, participants conducted a single interscalene block on a dedicated soft-embalmed cadaver whilst wearing eye tracking glasses.

Results: We developed a 15-step checklist and a 15-error checklist. The internal consistency of our steps measures were 0.83 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.78-0.89) and 0.90 (95% CI: 0.87-0.93) for our error measures. The experts completed more steps (mean difference: 3.2 [95% CI: 1.5-4.8]; P<0.001), had less errors (mean difference: 4.9 [95% CI: 3.5-6.3]; P<0.001), had better global rating scores (mean difference: 6.8 [95% CI: 3.6-10.0]; P<0.001), and more eye-gaze fixations (median of differences: 128 [95% CI: 0-288]; P=0.048). Fixation count correlated negatively with steps (r=-0.60; P=0.04) and with errors (r=0.64; P=0.03).

Conclusions: Our tests to quantify ultrasound-guided interscalene nerve block training and performance were valid and reliable.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)368-377
Number of pages10
JournalBritish Journal of Anaesthesia
Volume123
Issue number3
Early online date27 Jun 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2019

Keywords

  • cadaver
  • eye tracking
  • interscalene block
  • metrics
  • regional anaesthesia
  • simulation
  • ultrasound guidance
  • Patient Simulation
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Ultrasonography, Interventional/methods
  • Humans
  • Education, Medical, Graduate/methods
  • Psychometrics
  • Scotland
  • Nerve Block/standards
  • Delphi Technique
  • Translational Medical Research/methods
  • Checklist
  • Anesthesiology/education
  • Cadaver

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine

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