Which Way Would You Slice It? Evaluation of 3 Educational Models for the Loop Drainage Technique

Emergency department visits for cutaneous abscesses are increasing. It is important for healthcare professionals to be proficient in identifying and treating abscesses. Loop drainage technique (LDT) is a newer technique which has been described in several articles but limited resources for teaching have been studied. The objective of this study was to compare 3 models for learning and teaching the LDT.

This was a prospective survey study of a convenience sample of emergency medicine residents at a large urban academic center. Residents volunteered to participate during a scheduled cadaver and simulation session. After a self-directed review of the LDT, each participant performed ultrasound visualization and then the LDT on 3 simulated abscesses: a cadaveric model, a commercial abscess pad, and a homemade phantom. Participants completed pre- and post-simulation surveys.

Of 57 residents, 28 participated in the 1-day simulation. The majority (57.1%, p < 0.009) preferred the cadaver model for learning the LDT, and 78.6% reported it to have the most realistic physical examination for an abscess (p = 0.001). Prior to participation, 0% of residents felt proficient performing LDT. After participation, 46.4% of residents felt proficient and 78.6% reported intent to use in clinical practice (p < 0.001).

Simulation is an effective educational tool for both learning new skills and improving procedural competency. Residents found cadavers provided the most realistic physical examination, and the majority preferred it for learning the LDT. However, cadavers are not always accessible, an important factor when considering various educational settings.