An exploration of the cognitive and affective processes for anaesthetists when performing an emergency front of neck airway

Kidd, L.R, Wegrzynek, P, Newell, C and Wainwright, E (2024) 'An exploration of the cognitive and affective processes for anaesthetists when performing an emergency front of neck airway.' Anaesthesia Reports, 12 (2). e12331.

Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1002/anr3.12331

Abstract

Emergency front of neck airway (eFONA) is a potentially lifesaving but very high-stress procedure. We explored the cognitive and affective processes involved via semi-structured interviews with 17 UK anaesthetists who had attempted eFONA within the previous two years. Thematic analyses generated two meta-themes: ‘Making the decision is the hardest part; the doing is easier’ and ‘What helps make the decision?’. We found concerns around scrutiny, lack of a flat hierarchy, unfamiliarity with the situation and the lack of a model for transitioning to eFONA. Culture change, using a shared mental model, priming and emotional disengagement, assisted with eFONA decision-making. Conclusions and implications for practice are presented.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	airway management, decision making, human factors, intubation, intratracheal
Divisions:	School of Sciences
Date Deposited:	21 Oct 2024 08:27
Last Modified:	21 Oct 2024 08:35
ISSN:	2637-3726
URI / Page ID:	https://researchspace.bathspa.ac.uk/id/eprint/16616

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