Use of high-fidelity 3D-printed models for training novice residents in basic nasal endoscopic skills.

BACKGROUND: The use of three-dimensional (3D) printed models is promising in nasal endoscopic technique training. Here, we aimed to develop postsurgical simulants for use in conjunction with 3D-printed nasal models and to assess their usefulness in helping residents transfer basic endoscopic skills acquired during simulation training to clinical situations. METHODS: The secretion simulant was prepared via a cross-linked reaction between sodium alginate and acrylamide, whereas the packing simulant was prepared using a super absorbent polymer. After the simulants' fidelity and utility were evaluated by five rhinologists using a 5-point Likert scale, 46 novice residents were trained using the 3D-printed nasal models and postsurgical simulants for 2 weeks. A checklist and global rating scale (GRS) were used to assess their performances before and after training, and the time to finish each task was also recorded. Following training, the qualified trainees operated on real patients and were reevaluated. RESULTS: The simulants' similarity and usefulness scored ≥4.0, and the training cost was 28 CNY (4 USD) per session. Following training, the checklist and GRS scores increased, and the operation time decreased (all P 0.05). CONCLUSION: The low-cost simulated secretion and dressing are safe to use. The application of the simulants in conjunction with that of 3D-printed nasal models in a simulated task setting can help residents in transferring endoscopic skills acquired during simulation teaching to real patients. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.