Introduction: Ventilator education often relies on conventional memorization without a standardized curriculum. We developed a novel instructional model for internal medicine residents centered on waveform analysis to enhance understanding of airway mechanics. Methods: We conducted a two-day workshop using a waveform-based model. Testing assessed waveform analysis, ventilator mechanics, and ventilator mode identification. Pre- and post-tests consisted of knowledge-based questions and Likert scales measuring confidence in identifying ventilator modes and pathologies based on waveform analysis. Session 1 covered ventilation modes and session 2 focused on airway mechanics and abnormalities. Analyses included paired t-tests, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and multivariate linear mixed-model regression. Results: 59 residents participated and averaged 11 weeks of prior ICU experience. 32% were PGY-1 and 41% had ICU career interest. After Session 1, mean total scores improved from 71.7±16.8 to 93.6±11.8 (p< 0.005) and waveform scores from median 66.6 to 100 (p< 0.005). Session 2 total scores also increased from mean 42.1±26.1 to 91.8±15.5 (p< 0.0005) and waveform analysis mean from 28.9±29.3 to 89.9±19.2 (p< 0.0005). There was improvement in conceptual knowledge (p< 0.0005) and the majority “strongly agreed” with the importance of ventilator teaching on both days. Residents reported increased comfort identifying ventilator modes (p< 0.0005) and interpreting pathology (p< 0.0005) based on waveform analysis. ICU career interest was associated with higher pre-test scores (p=0.008) while PGY class and weeks of ICU experience were not. Residents without ICU career interest had greater pre- to post-test improvement (p=0.037) than those pursuing an ICU career. Session 2 total post-scores improved 27 points more than Session 1 scores. Conclusions: Our waveform-based model enhanced knowledge of and confidence in mechanical ventilation, and data suggested residents benefited from repeated curriculum exposure. ICU career interest was linked to higher baseline scores but smaller gains, suggesting a ceiling effect in knowledge gain. Overall, our study suggests that waveform analysis promotes increased comprehension of mechanical ventilation than current ventilator education at our institution and has promise for wider adoption.
Kondapi et al. (Sun,) studied this question.