Improving surgical trainee skills with new simulation models

Background

• Surgical training requires regular practice but faces challenges due to limited working hours, infrequent procedures, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Simulation is crucial but not adequately accessible, with many trainees preferring in-hospital training due to the importance of feedback. At-home training has low engagement due to a lack of incentives and familiarity.

Impact of ENT UK Foundation funding

• The project has made significant progress, improving the cricothyroid model and creating new, low-cost, anatomically accurate models for ENT training, such as an ear model for grommet insertion.
• The models are portable and have received positive feedback from trainees. Additional developments include reusable pinnas for suture practice and a tonsillectomy model for take-home training with video feedback.

Current Status

• There are remaining funds for further model production and development.
• Ongoing efforts include creating more models, validating them, and developing an app to enhance take-home training.