The evolving landscape of airway education in anesthesia for head and neck surgery.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Airway management for head and neck surgery presents some of the most unique and complex challenges for both adult and pediatric patient populations. High level of technical proficiency is essential, and the technical skill set should be complemented by a variety of solid nontechnical skills to ensure adequate interdisciplinary and interprofessional collaboration. Little is known about state-of-the-art teaching methods addressing these important skills.

Recent findings: This article explores recent advancements in airway education, focusing on how technical and nontechnical skills could be best integrated into head and neck anesthesia teaching curricula with the goals of optimizing airway management outcomes and patient safety.

Summary: We examined the role of simulation-based training, competency-based medical education, and the emphasis on human factors in head and neck anesthesia to facilitate shaping modern curricula.