The aim of this paper is to gather and evaluate available literature about using videolaryngoscopy as a training tool for novice learners and compare it to direct laryngoscopy. Search of the available literature was performed using the MEDLINE database, through the PubMed searching tool. The inclusion criteria were that papers had to be original research and participants had to be novices in the field of airway management. The studies also had to pertain to the topic of using videolaryngoscopy as a training tool, therefore all papers that evaluated performance of videolaryngoscopy in clinical applications or did not pertain to using videolaryngoscopy as a training tool were excluded from this review. Five studies were identified that fitted the inclusion criteria, all of which showed a statistically significant difference in first attempt success at endotracheal intubation in favor of videolaryngoscopy when compared to direct laryngoscopy. One of the studies also demonstrated a faster skill acquisition rate when using videolaryngoscopy. The use of videolaryngoscopy in teaching airway management to trainees (emergency medicine residents included) is a viable option and should be encouraged and researched further.
Keywords: Airway management; Emergency medicine; Endotracheal intubation; Residency; Teaching.
Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital.