THE IMPORTANCE OF REALISTIC SIMULATION LEARNING IN MANAGING RARE SITUATIONS IN ANESTHESIA: MALIGNANT HYPERTHERMIA

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a rare, life-threatening pharmacogenetic disorder triggered by certain anesthetic agents, requiring rapid recognition and intervention to prevent serious complications. Given its infrequency, healthcare professionals, especially anesthesia providers, may have limited exposure to managing this critical emergency. This study aims to evaluate the impact of simulation-based training on improving the knowledge, skills, and confidence of anesthesia residents in managing malignant hyperthermia. A pre-experimental study was conducted with 50 anesthesia residents at the Mohamed V Military Instruction Hospital. Participants engaged in a simulation session designed to mimic the clinical scenario of malignant hyperthermia during surgery. Knowledge assessments conducted before and after the simulation revealed a significant improvement in the residentsÂ' understanding of MH, including its recognition, triggers, and management. Self-reported confidence in handling MH crises also increased notably. Furthermore, 90% of residents expressed overall satisfaction with the simulation-based training, highlighting its value for enhancing critical care readiness. The results underscore the effectiveness of high-fidelity simulation in preparing anesthesia residents for rare but life-threatening scenarios, thereby contributing to better patient safety and clinical outcomes in anesthesia practice.