Teaching without a teacher: developing competence with a Bullard laryngoscope using only a structured self-learning course and practicing on a mannequin

Study ObjectiveTo show that a complex motor skill can be taught without requiring active expert faculty participation.DesignProspective descriptive study.SettingSimulation laboratory of an academic anesthesiology department.SubjectsNovice users of the Bullard laryngoscope, predominantly residents.InterventionsNovice Bullard users were presented with a PowerPoint presentation using text and pictures describing the use of the Bullard. The learners were also provided with a Bullard laryngoscope and a mannequin on which to practice. Self-learning time was not restricted.MeasurementsLearners decided for themselves when they were competent and ready for competency assessment. The assessment tool was a checklist of essential steps developed by faculty experienced in Bullard laryngoscopy. The primary end-point was successful intubation.Main ResultsAll learners were deemed competent. The mean self-learning time was 14.1 minutes (SD, 3.1 min; range, 9.2-21.0 min). All subjects indicated a high level of satisfaction with the learning technique.ConclusionsTeaching a complex motor skill with no expert instruction is possible.