Airway management education in medical students: a cross-sectional study of knowledge and practical experience
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66166/cjaim.2.1.1Keywords:
Airway Management, Education, Medical, Simulation Training, Students, MedicalAbstract
Introduction:
Airway management is a fundamental clinical skill, and failure to secure the airway remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality.
Objective:
To assess medical students’ knowledge and practical competence in airway management.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 79 medical students using a structured, anonymous questionnaire administered to 5th- and 6th-year students at the School of Medicine, University of Zagreb.
Results:
Most students (94.9%) reported that endotracheal intubation should be included in undergraduate training. Basic airway maneuvers were well recognized, while advanced techniques such as laryngoscopy were identified by over 90% of participants. Fewer students (75.9%) recognized supraglottic airway devices. Practical experience was limited: 65.8% had placed a supraglottic airway device on a mannequin, but only 15.2% on a patient. Similarly, 59.5% had performed intubation on a mannequin compared with 19.0% on patients.
Conclusion:
While theoretical knowledge is strong, practical experience—particularly with advanced airway techniques—is limited. Enhanced structured and simulation-based training is needed to improve competence and patient safety.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Tin Plaftak, Renata Curić Radivojević, Kristina Jurakić, Daniela Bandić Pavlović, Dinko Tonković (Author)
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