Novel High-Fidelity Peritonsillar Abscess Simulator

Objective

To create and assess a novel high-fidelity peritonsillar abscess simulation task trainer with junior otolaryngology–head and neck surgery residents.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Third annual Emergencies in Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery Bootcamp course at the Canadian Surgical Technologies & Advanced Robotics in London, Canada.

Subjects and Methods

Fresh cadaveric material was obtained consisting of a head and neck. Abscess pockets were simulated with a finger of a latex glove containing vanilla pudding to represent pus, tied off with a silk suture. These abscess pockets were inserted into the peritonsillar space from the transected neck inferiorly, passing medial to the great vessels into the parapharyngeal space. Faculty members evaluated the models to test content validity. The primary outcome measure was a postbootcamp survey evaluation assessing specific domains: learning objectives, effectiveness of faculty, and the quality and realism of models.

Results

When working with this model, learners were able to locate, visualize, and manipulate the abscess. The materials and positioning of the pockets created high-fidelity models that were realistic in appearance and haptics feedback.

Conclusions

A novel high-fidelity task trainer has been successfully developed to teach the technique of peritonsillar abscess incision and drainage. This task trainer is currently the highest-fidelity model reported in the literature. This model allows learners to practice a high-stakes emergency skill in a controlled environment, affording the opportunity to practice localization, visualization, and drainage of the abscess with a high level of realism.

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