Development and Validation of a Modular Endoscopic Ear Surgery Skills Trainer

Document Type

Article

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic ear surgery (EES) is an emerging technique requiring single-handed dissection with limited depth perception. Current options for EES simulation and training are limited. Herein, we introduce a versatile, low-cost surgical skills trainer that aims to improve the fine motor control necessary for EES. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective validation study. SETTING: Surgical simulation laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Seven subjects ranging in experience from medical students ("Novices") to experienced ear surgeons ("Experts") participated in the validation study. Experts (n = 3) were defined as performing >10 EES cases per year. METHODS: The skills trainer was constructed from a 3" diameter polyvinyl chloride pipe cap modified with two ports for instrument passage. A wooden platform was placed inside at an appropriate working distance for ear surgery. Eight interchangeable skills modules were fabricated on wooden squares (3 cm × 3 cm) using materials such as #19 wire brads, 1.6 mm glass beads, and 26-gauge jewelry wire. The material cost of this reusable model was $15. Subjects completed each skills module in triplicate, followed by a Likert-based survey. RESULTS: Expert performance was superior to novices in 100% (8/8) of skills modules, i.e., threading beads on a wire (43 versus 127 s, p < 0.001) and placing a simulated prosthesis (13 versus 68 s, p = 0.01). Most participants (86%) agreed the trainer orientation was accurate and all participants (100%) were satisfied with the experience. CONCLUSIONS: This low-cost modular task trainer may help fill a void in otologic training by allowing efficient, deliberate practice of validated exercises designed to improve fine motor control with EES instrumentation.

Medical Subject Headings

Clinical Competence; Computer Simulation; Dissection; Endoscopy (methods); Equipment Design; Humans; Otologic Surgical Procedures (education); Pilot Projects; Prospective Studies; Reproducibility of Results; Students, Medical; Validation Studies as Topic

Publication Date

9-1-2017

Publication Title

Otology & neurotology : official publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [and] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology

E-ISSN

1537-4505

Volume

38

Issue

8

First Page

1193

Last Page

1197

PubMed ID

28692591

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1097/MAO.0000000000001485

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