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Artificial ear: A training tool for grommet insertion and manual dexterity
A Leong1, S Kundu, P Martinez-Devesa
1Department of ENT, Wexham Park Hospital, Slough, UK. Annabelle.Leong@btinternet.com
ORL; Journal for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology and Its Related Specialties
|February 1, 2006
Summary
Surgical trainees can now practice grommet insertion using a low-cost artificial ear model. This simulated training aids manual dexterity and core Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgical skills development.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Training
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- European Working Time Directives restrict surgical trainees' working hours.
- This necessitates surgical skills training outside the operating theatre.
- Simulated environments are increasingly crucial for hands-on practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a cost-effective artificial ear model for Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgical training.
- To facilitate the instruction and practice of grommet insertion.
- To explore its potential for developing validated ENT surgical skills tests.
Main Methods:
- Development of a simple, inexpensive artificial ear model.
- Utilizing the model for teaching grommet insertion.
- Employing the model for manual dexterity exercises.
Main Results:
- The artificial ear model is cheap and quick to assemble.
- It effectively facilitates the practice of grommet insertion.
- The model shows potential for future development into validated skill assessments.
Conclusions:
- A low-cost artificial ear model can enhance ENT surgical training.
- Simulated practice of procedures like grommet insertion is feasible and beneficial.
- This model offers a pathway for objective assessment of core ENT surgical skills.
