Background
Awake tracheal intubation (ATI) is the gold standard technique for anticipated difficult intubation recommended by international guidelines focusing on the need to ensure patient oxygenation during airway management.
However, observational studies, suggest that ATI procedures are performed less often than recommended by guidelines, with a progressively decreasing frequency.
This may result in an increased risk of morbidity and mortality in patients with expected difficult airways. Furthermore, the lack of experience or limited skills in ATI might also contribute to avoiding it despite clear indications.
Finally, a lack of awareness and specific information about ATI performance limits opportunities for corrective and educational interventions.
The aim of this anonymous survey
is to find out how ATI is currently applied in clinical practice. Filling out the survey takes only 3-5 minutes. The questionnaire consists of 37 multiple-choice questions divided into four sections. We focus on ATI knowledge, frequency and potential factors supporting or hindering its use as well as details about execution mode. Finally, we'd like to know any needs and suggestions on how ATI technique could be promoted, taught and, consequently, implemented in clinical anaesthesia.
We would like to thank you in advance for your precious time and contribution!
For further information, you may write to the study contact (Irene Steinberg) at irene.steinberg@unito.it
The survey was promoted by the European Airway Management Society
and endorsed by:
All India Difficult Airway Association
Polish Society of Anesthesiology and Intensive Therapy
German Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine
Associazione Anestesisti Rianimatori Ospedalieri Italiani Emergenza Area Critica
