AB162. SOH23ABS_031. One lung ventilation—implementation of a practical skills workshop to enhance patient safety

Background: One lung ventilation (OLV) utilises specific airway devices, such as double lumen tubes (DLTs) and bronchial blockers (BBs), to selectively ventilate one lung. Specific techniques and meticulous device placement are essential to facilitate surgical access to the thoracic cavity, lung isolation for control of ventilation or for protection from contralateral pathology. Less experienced anaesthesiology non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs) and nurses with limited OLV exposure may assist in OLV patient care out-of-hours. A robust understanding of OLV can enhance safety for these patients.

Methods: A 45-minute workshop was designed for anaesthesiology NCHDs and nurses in St Vincent’s University Hospital to understand indications for OLV, preparation of equipment, methods of achieving OLV, and lung anatomy on bronchoscopy. Participants rotated through 3 stations—OLV principles (didactic), DLT (simulation) and BB (simulation). Candidates completed a 25-question workshop evaluation.

Results: Participants included 12 NCHDs and 5 nurses, of which 11 had no previous OLV training. Participants reported an increased understanding of indications for OLV (n=7), increased understanding of DLT preparation (n=13), increased understanding of DLT insertion (n=13) and BB insertion (n=15), increased understanding of verifying correct DLT placement (n=13), and BB placement (n=16), increased understanding of anatomy on bronchoscopy (n=11). Candidates requested more time for individual practice, and for the workshop to be repeated regularly. All 17 participants felt more confident managing an OLV case post-workshop.

Conclusions: A 45-minute practical skills workshop for anaesthesiology NCHDs and nurses demonstrates increased self-reported OLV knowledge and skills. Where a skill and knowledge deficit exists, this workshop may contribute to patient safety.

Keywords: Lung; safety; training; ventilation; workshop