Stress induced by simulation-based training in anesthesiologist residents

Introduction

The use of a high-fidelity simulator can lead to very realistic clinical situations sometimes difficult to manage psychologically. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychological stress induced by simulationbased training and the associated skills in anesthesiologist residents.

Methods

A cohort of 27 residents was studied. The psychological stress just before and after the simulation session was quantified by autoevaluation scale (numeric scale 0 to 10) and by salivary amylase sampling [1]. Nontechnical skills were quantified by analysing videotapes and scoring the Anaesthetist NonTechnical Skills [2].

Results

The median stress numeric scale before the simulation session was 5 (ranging 2 to 8), and after was 7 (2 to 10) (P = 0.0004) (Figure 1). The stress scale before the session was significantly lower in residents who already underwent simulation-based training (P = 0.04). In 48% of residents, stress scales after the simulation session were above 8/10. Salivary amylase after the session was significantly higher than before (P = 0.008), corresponding to a 2.2-fold increase. They were no significant relationships between psychological stress parameters and nontechnical skills.

Figure 1

(abstract P455)

Conclusions

Psychological stress before the simulation session, but especially after simulation, appears to be high in anesthesiologist residents, and particularly in those who performed a simulation session for the first time. This fact should be considered when organising such simulation-based teaching.