Multicenter Advanced Pediatric Otolaryngology Fellowship Prep Surgical Simulation Course with 3D Printed...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Simulation
• Pediatric Otolaryngology

Background:

• Advanced pediatric otolaryngology fellowship training requires exposure to complex procedures.
• Traditional training methods may have limitations in providing hands-on experience with rare or complex cases.
• Three-dimensional (3D)-printed surgical simulators offer a novel approach to surgical education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the educational impact of 3D-printed surgical simulators in a preparatory course for pediatric otolaryngology fellows.
• To assess changes in trainee confidence, expertise, and attitude towards surgical simulation.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental, pre/postsurvey design was employed.
• A multicenter collaborative course utilized 7 simulators across 5 stations for airway graft carving, microtia ear framework carving, and cleft lip/palate repair.
• Nine pediatric otolaryngology fellows and 17 senior residents participated, completing surveys on confidence, expertise, and attitude before and after simulation.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant increases (P < .05) were observed in self-reported confidence (average 53%) and expertise (average 68%) across all simulators.
• Medium to large effect sizes (Cohen's d, 0.41-1.71) supported the educational benefit.
• Positive attitudes toward 3D printing in surgical education increased (average 10%), though trainees desired more practice time.

Conclusions:

• High-fidelity, 3D-printed simulators effectively enhance trainee exposure to advanced pediatric otolaryngology procedures.
• These simulators provide a valuable, zero-risk environment for hands-on surgical practice.
• Future work includes refining course design, developing assessment tools, and exploring integration into accreditation and milestone assessments.