New Simulation App Trains Neuromuscular Monitoring

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and DigitalSurgery announced the launch of a new simulation app activity: Train-of-Four(TOF) Quantitative Monitoring for Neuromuscular Blockade (NMB). This simulation,supported by an educational grant from Merck, is part of ASA's ongoingcommitment to education on the importance of neuromuscular monitoring. Althoughoptimal neuromuscular blockade and recovery is widely recognized as animportant strategy to help prevent complications in patients postoperatively,several knowledge and practice gaps remain.

"Delivering high caliber education in a format that iseasily accessible to all members of the anesthesia care team is crucial, andone that will have a great effect on patient safety and contribute to moresuccessful outcomes," said ASA President Linda Mason, M.D., FASA.

Digital Surgery, working closely with ASA and its faculty,developed the simulation to demonstrate the correct steps and processes bywhich quantitative NMB monitoring is performed. Due to the low level ofadoption of NMB monitoring, this activity seeks to offer physiciananesthesiologists, anesthesiologist assistants, nurse anesthetists, postanesthesia care unit (PACU) nurses, perioperative pharmacists, and ambulatoryor operating room care team members with tools to reinforce the importance ofNMB and recovery. The simulation contributes to a holistic and blended learningexperience, where learners can rehearse the TOF procedure, from anywhere and atany time through Digital Surgery's mobile-based and academically validated app,Touch Surgery. Other complementary learning modalities – didactic and audiocontent accessible through ASA's Education Center – will supplement thelearning experience. Importantly, learners who complete the simulation'slearning modules and pass assessments will be eligible for continuing medicaleducation (CME) credits.