A new simulation model for skin abscess identification and management.

Area of Science:

• Medical Simulation
• Surgical Skills Training
• Emergency Medicine Education

Background:

• Cutaneous abscesses are prevalent, necessitating proficiency in incision and drainage for emergency medicine physicians.
• Existing simulation models for abscess management have limitations.
• A novel simulation model is presented for training abscess identification and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a new simulation model for teaching cutaneous abscess management.
• To assess the educational value and sonographic fidelity of the novel simulator.

Main Methods:

• A simulation model was created using a chicken breast with an artificial abscess wall filled with mock purulent material.
• Twenty physicians evaluated the model's realism, educational utility, and ultrasound characteristics.
• Evaluation involved closed-ended questions and open-ended feedback.

Main Results:

• All evaluators found the abscess simulator to be a useful teaching tool.
• Physicians agreed the model realistically simulated an abscess, though noted a lack of purulent loculations.
• All participants strongly agreed or agreed that the ultrasound images of the simulated abscess were realistic.

Conclusions:

• The novel simulation model shows potential as an effective tool for teaching skin abscess management.
• The simulator accurately replicates palpable fluctuance and ultrasound findings of actual abscesses.
• Further validation is needed to confirm its efficacy as a teaching tool for incision and drainage procedures.