Assessment of proficiency in videolaryngoscopic orotracheal intubation with the xlearn® mobile application

Introduction: There is no precise definition of how many times a trainee specialist must perform orotracheal intubation via video laryngoscopy (VL) before they can be considered proficient in this procedure. Objective: To compare psychomotor learning curves for acquisition of proficiency in VL-assisted orotracheal intubation between medical students and two groups of physicians (with and without prior experience in conventional laryngoscopy). Materials and Methods: Orotracheal intubation was simulated using a manikin. The VL device consisted of a 3D-printed laryngoscope blade and an endoscope used to transmit the image captured at the blade to a monitor. Participants were divided into three groups according to their expertise: medical students (n=3), physicians with no prior experience of laryngoscopy (n=3), and physicians experienced in performing conventional laryngoscopy (n=3). A mobile application, XLEARN®, was developed and used to construct learning curves. Results: All participants crossed the 5% acceptable failure rate line (h0) before completing 200 intubations. The number of attempts required to achieve proficiency ranged from 43 to 85. Tukey’s test showed a statistically significant difference between medical students and physicians with prior experience. Conclusion: The XLEARN® application is a health education tool that allows continuous follow-up of acquisition and maintenance of the skills, such as orotracheal intubation.