C56-02 Endotracheal Intubation Simulation “Mock Intubation” in Clinical Practice: The Role of In Situ Simulation

Introduction Emergent endotracheal intubation in the intensive care unit (ICU) is a high-risk, time-sensitive procedure performed to maintain airway patency and ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation, often complicated by hypotension, hypoxemia, or cardiac arrest. Successful outcomes depend on precise team coordination, communication, and situational awareness. Drawing inspiration from the demonstrated benefits of simulation-based cardiopulmonary resuscitation training in enhancing team performance, this study examines the feasibility of implementing in situ “mock intubation” in the ICU. The objective is to determine whether this approach can be seamlessly integrated into routine practice to improve teamwork, procedural readiness, and patient safety. Methodology A prospective interventional study was conducted in the medical ICU at Mayo Clinic Rochester over two months. ICU staff—including physicians, advanced practice providers (APP), nurses, and respiratory therapists—participated in eight scheduled 45-minute in situ mock intubation sessions integrated into routine clinical hours. Each session included five participants (one physician faculty, one physician trainee/APP, two nurses, and one respiratory therapist) and incorporated case-based scenarios requiring completion of the intubation and management of post-procedural complications. Structured debriefings followed each session to identify performance gaps, enhance team communication, and assess the educational value and feasibility of incorporating mock intubation into routine ICU practice. Results A total of eight mock intubations were conducted with 40 participants. Sessions were seamlessly integrated into the routine clinical workflow without disruption. Participants reported high satisfaction, unanimously agreeing that the sessions were valuable and should be continued. Feedback emphasized psychological safety and realism: “This offered a safe space to communicate,” one noted; another stated, “It’s important to practice where it’s easy to make mistakes,” and a third remarked, “Real-life experiences were brought into simulations.” These themes underscore participants’ desire for ongoing sessions and their perceived real-world relevance. Conclusion Mock intubation using in situ simulation provides a practical approach to training for emergent endotracheal intubation, enhancing team communication, coordination, and situational awareness in the ICU. This on-site format eliminates the need for off-unit scheduling and was well received by staff. The potential of in situ mock intubation to mirror the success of simulated cardiopulmonary resuscitation training highlights the importance of team-based procedural preparation in high-acuity environments. The intervention fosters procedural readiness, teamwork, and a culture of safety. Given its feasibility, clinical relevance, and positive reception, in situ mock intubation should be integrated into routine ICU practice as a team training tool for high-risk procedures. This abstract is funded by: None