Using remote guidance to improve regional anesthesia training
Official title: Implementation and Measurement of a Real-time, Near-remote Method to Operationalize Ultrasound-based Regional Anesthesia/Analgesia Procedural Techniques
Run by Queen's University · NCT05968261 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether using real-time remote guidance from expert anesthesiologists can help train doctors in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia techniques to improve patient safety and satisfaction.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Queen's University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kingston, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 2026 |
| Main results expected | July 2026 |
| Study ends | July 2026 |
| Registry record updated | July 31, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05968261 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study include adult patients aged 18 and older who are undergoing surgery or have traumatic injuries suitable for regional blocks.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients under 18 years of age or those who cannot understand English may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study explores a novel approach to training in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia techniques through real-time 'near remote' guidance. By utilizing technology that displays ultrasound images on an iPad, expert anesthesiologists can mentor senior residents and emergency medicine physicians as they perform regional blocks. This method aims to overcome barriers related to training and supervision, particularly in light of staff shortages and increased demands due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal is to enhance the safety and effectiveness of regional anesthesia while improving patient outcomes and satisfaction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance the training of anesthesiology residents, leading to improved patient safety and satisfaction during surgical procedures.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of remote guidance in medical training is gaining traction, this specific approach to regional anesthesia training is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Mentors: Staff anesthesiologists who are experts in regional blocks. * Trainees: Senior (PGY3-5) residents (anesthesiology and emergency medicine), and staff (emergency medicine) physicians who have already performed and are comfortable with being supervised near remotely for the regional block at hand. * Patients: Greater or equal to 18 years of age presenting for surgery or with traumatic injuries amenable to regional blocks. * All of the above: Able to read and understand English, and competent to provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Mentors: Staff anesthesiologists who are not experts in the performance/teaching of regional blocks. * Trainees: Junior (PGY1-2) residents (for any/all types of regional blocks), and senior (PGY3-5) residents and staff physicians who are not comfortable with being supervised near remotely for the regional block at hand. * Patients: Less than 18 years of age. * All of the above: Unable to read and understand English, and not competent to provide written informed consent.
Where it's running
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Hotel Dieu Hospital site (primary) and Kingston General Hospital site (secondary), Kingston Health Sciences Centre
Kingston, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Glenio B. Mizubuti, MD, MSc, FRCPC — Queen's University. Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine
- Study coordinator: Stephanie Chevrier, MD
- Email: stephanie.chevrier@kingstonhsc.ca
- Phone: 6138090424
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.