An Observer Tool for to Enhance Learning of Anesthesia Resident’s Non-Technical Skills During High-Fidelity Simulation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: An observer tool (OT) dedicated to technical skills could improve learning of medical knowledge during simulation. However, it remains uncertain whether non-technical skills learning outcomes might be improved by using an OT. Methods: After consent, anesthesia residents enrolled to a crisis management training simulation were randomized to use an observer tool (OT +) (based on non-technical skills) or not (OT-) when not role-playing. The main outcome parameter was non-technical skills learning outcomes assessed by the global score of non-technical skills learning after the training (self-assessment using the 15 items of 4 categories of the Anaesthetists’ Non-Technical Skills (ANTS); 0 to 10 Likert scale; /40). The perceived stress level, satisfaction and the score of medical knowledge were also assessed. Results: All anesthesia residents were randomized (n = 48; OT+ group, n = 37; OT- group). At the end of the session, the global score of ANTS learning and the medical knowledge score were similar in the two groups: 31 ± 4 (OT+) and 31 ± 5 / 40 (OT-) (p = 0.55) and 12 ± 2 (OT+) and 12 ± 2 / 20 (OT-) (p=0.47). The 2 groups had a positive and similar perception of learning stress management, improvement of crisis skills management, satisfaction and changes in professional practice after the training session. Conclusions: This study has shown a positive perception of ANTS learning after crisis training without difference between using or not an OT in anesthesia residents. More studies are necessary to define the place of this educational tool. Trial registration: researchregistry.com. Registration number: researchregistry7055. Retrospectively registered August 13, 2021.