An objective evaluation of sputum suctioning technique: Multidimensional imaging of catheter position in a suction simulator

Abstract

　In Japan, with the legalization of airway suctioning by caregivers and others, not only doctors and nurses but also caregivers need to acquire suctioning skills. Since airway suctioning is a medical practice involving invasive procedures, studies have reported on the safety and acquisition of suctioning skills. However, the relationship between the movement of the suction catheter tip in the airway and suctioning techniques remain unclear. Clarification of the differences in the suction technique between experienced and inexperienced, such as the movement of the tip of the suction catheter, may improve objectification of the suction technique. Therefore, we modified an existing suction simulator and constructed an experimental system capable of capturing moving images of the airway in two directions. In this report, analysis of the recorded video showed that the mean catheter insertion time from tracheal orifice to tracheal bifurcation was 9.53 seconds for inexperienced and 6.55 seconds for experienced, with inexperienced taking more time than experienced. The results indicate that when teaching inexperienced, care should be taken to avoid catheter insertion time and catheter snagging.