Using Transcontinental Telementoring to Train Laryngoscopy to Medical Students in Hanoi, Vietnam from Omaha Nebraska

The use of a direct laryngoscope can lead to obstructed views of the airway, resulting in misplacement of the endotracheal tube. Advancements in telemedicine have resulted in the development of the video laryngoscope, an instrument, which utilizes video technology in order to obtain a clearer view of the glottic opening. Researchers compared these two intubation techniques by training students to use the instruments via distance communication. After training, 100% of the students successfully intubated a mannequin using the video laryngoscope and 75% of the students successfully intubated a mannequin using the direct laryngoscope. It is believed that these results indicate that distance communication can be used to train and mentor students during medical procedures.