Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Data-driven Development of a Core Dataset for Difficult Airway Alerts

This study, called the FingAIRprint project, is looking for a better way to record important information about your airway when you have general anaesthesia. Currently, records of difficult airways aren't always clear or easy to find. This can make planning future operations harder. The research team wants to create a consistent, digital system that uses key information to help doctors understand and prepare for potential airway difficulties. They are studying patients who are having breathing tubes put in using special cameras (videolaryngoscopy) or standard methods (direct laryngoscopy). The main goal is to make future anaesthesia safer for everyone, especially if you've had a difficult airway experience before, by improving how this vital information is documented and shared among medical staff.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf

Enrolment target

1,785

Start

01 Apr 2019

Estimated completion

30 Nov 2025

Airway Management Intubation; Difficult or Failed Airway Complication of Anesthesia

What is this study about?

Imagine you're having an operation and need general anaesthesia. For this, a doctor usually places a breathing tube into your windpipe. Sometimes, this can be a bit tricky, and doctors call this a 'difficult airway'. It's really important for healthcare teams to know if you've had a difficult airway in the past, as it's the best way to predict if it might be tricky again.

At the moment, information about difficult airways is often written down on paper alert cards, which can sometimes get lost or aren't always used in the same way by everyone. This study, called the FingAIRprint project, wants to change that. They aim to develop a clear, easy-to-use digital system to record this vital information.

The researchers will study patients who are already having breathing tubes put in during general anaesthesia. They'll look at the details of these procedures to figure out what key pieces of information are most important to record. The goal is to create a reliable system that can help doctors make better and safer plans for future operations, making sure that your healthcare team always has the crucial information they need about your airway history.

Key takeaways

This study aims to improve how doctors record difficult airway information.
It could make future general anaesthesia safer for you.
Participation involves collecting data during your routine operation.
There are no extra tests, medicines, or appointments for the study.
Your medical care will not be affected whether you join or not.
The goal is to create a digital system for clear, consistent airway alerts.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or older, who is going to have a general anaesthetic for an operation. During this anaesthetic, you'll need to have a breathing tube put into your windpipe. You'll also need to be able to understand and agree to take part by giving your informed consent.

However, this study isn't suitable for everyone. If your breathing tube needs to be put in using a special flexible camera (called a bronchoscope) or if you need to be awake when the breathing tube is put in, then this study isn't for you. Pregnant women are also not able to take part in this particular research.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you having a general anaesthetic where a breathing tube will be placed?
Are you able to give your informed consent?
Are you *not* pregnant?
Will you *not* be having an awake intubation or one with a bronchoscope?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study is primarily about collecting information on how breathing tubes are put in during general anaesthesia. If you participate, you won't receive an intervention or medication specifically for the study. Instead, the doctors will simply be gathering information during your routine procedure. This means there are no extra visits or follow-up appointments required, and it won't change your medical care or how long you are in hospital. The total duration of your participation would only be for the time you are having your anaesthesia and recovery, as researchers collect data related to your intubation process.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits from taking part include helping to improve how important airway information is recorded for future anaesthesia, which could make procedures safer for everyone in the long run. There are no direct medical benefits to you personally from taking part. The study involves collecting routine data during your anaesthesia, so it doesn't add any new medical risks beyond those already associated with having general anaesthesia. Your decision to participate is entirely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf
Verified postcode
Hamburg, Germany

Common questions

What is a 'difficult airway'?

A difficult airway means that putting a breathing tube into your windpipe during anaesthesia is more challenging than usual for the doctor.

Will taking part change my operation?

No, taking part in this study won't change how your operation or anaesthesia is done. It's about collecting information during your routine care.

Why is this research important?

This research aims to create a better system for sharing important airway information, which can make future anaesthesia safer for patients who have had a difficult airway before.

Do I have to take part?

No, taking part is completely your choice. If you decide not to, it won't affect the medical care you receive.

What is a 'digital airway alert'?

It's like an electronic note or warning in your medical records that tells doctors about any past difficulties with your airway, so they can be prepared for future procedures.