Evaluation of a novel simulation-based training for urgent laryngectomy care.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Laryngectomy (removal of the larynx, usually due to cancer) results in significant anatomical changes requiring specific clinical skills to safely manage the airway and support altered communication. It is crucial that healthcare professionals understand how to support people with laryngectomy, particularly in emergency care when their usual healthcare teams will not be present. Provision of laryngectomy training is limited. Existing education approaches fail to fully meet the needs of healthcare professionals, which in turn impacts on the provision of intervention to people with laryngectomy. With increasing evidence for simulation in pedagogical literature, this study explores how this approach can be used to support clinical skill education and improve urgent laryngectomy care. The aim of this study was to establish if a simulation-based approach is a feasible method of enhancing healthcare professional knowledge and confidence to provide emergency care to people with laryngectomy.