Izvorni znanstveni članak
https://doi.org/10.66166/cjaim.2.1.1
Airway management education in medical students: a cross-sectional study of knowledge and practical experience
Tin Plaftak
orcid.org/0009-0002-4608-9445
; University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
*
Renata Curić Radivojević
; University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia; University Hospital Centre, Department of Anesthesiology, Reanimatology and Intensive Medicine and Pain Therapy, Zagreb, Croatia
Kristina Jurakić
; University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
Daniela Bandić Pavlović
; University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia; University Hospital Centre, Department of Anesthesiology, Reanimatology and Intensive Medicine and Pain Therapy, Zagreb, Croatia
Dinko Tonković
; University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia; University Hospital Centre, Department of Anesthesiology, Reanimatology and Intensive Medicine and Pain Therapy, Zagreb, Croatia
* Dopisni autor.
Sažetak
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 ques
tionnaire 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 iden
tified 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:
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 iden
tified 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.
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.
Ključne riječi
Airway Management; Students, Medical; Education, Medical, Undergraduate; Clinical Competence; Simulation Training
Hrčak ID:
348887
URI
Datum izdavanja:
6.7.2026.
Posjeta: 0 *