Training modalities and self-confidence building in performance of life-saving procedures

Objective: Physicians and paramedics in the Israel Defense Forces are trained to perform advanced medical procedures using standardized training modalities, such as manikins. We studied the association of experience using these training modalities with self-reported confidence in procedure performance. Methods: Providers were sent a questionnaire regarding their experience with and self-confidence levels for performing endotracheal intubation, cricothyroidotomy, needle chest decompression, tube thoracostomy, and intraosseous infusion. Results: Provider level (physician or paramedic) and gender were associated with reported self-confidence levels. Manikin and supervised and unsupervised patient experience exhibited positive associations with self-confidence, but (animal) model experience did not. For many procedure-training modality pairs, we identified a plateau level above which additional experience was minimally associated with an increase in self-confidence. Conclusions: Among military advanced life support providers, self-confidence levels in procedure performance are positively associated with experience gained from manikins and supervised and unsupervised patient application. We were not able to demonstrate a clear benefit of an animal model in increasing self-confidence. A plateau was generally identified, indicating decreased benefit from the use of a particular training modality for a particular procedure. Modifying training regimens in light of these findings may help maximize the self-confidence of advanced life support providers more efficiently.