Development of a Novel, Reusable Task Trainer for Foreign Body Removal and Abscess Incision and Drainage.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Skills Simulation
• Ultrasound Training

Background:

• Cutaneous abscess incision and drainage and foreign body removal are common outpatient procedures.
• Existing training methods may lack realism and reusability.
• A novel, reusable task trainer was developed to simulate these procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a novel, clean, reusable task trainer for cutaneous abscess drainage and foreign body removal.
• To incorporate ultrasound guidance for identifying abscess cavities or foreign bodies.
• To assess the effectiveness of the task trainer in a clinical skills course.

Main Methods:

• A silicone-based task trainer with a toothpaste and saline mixture for abscess simulation and an embedded paperclip for foreign body simulation was constructed.
• Physician assistant (PA) students received a didactic lecture and then utilized the task trainer.
• A post-activity survey assessed self-perceived knowledge and skills using a 5-point Likert scale.

Main Results:

• Survey data from an initial cohort of PA students indicated the effectiveness of the task trainer when used with the curriculum.
• Students reported improved self-perceived knowledge and skills after using the trainer.

Conclusions:

• A practical, low-cost, non-animal-based task trainer for cutaneous abscess drainage and foreign body removal is feasible.
• The novel task trainer facilitates ultrasound skill development and provides realistic imaging experience.
• This simulation tool can enhance training for essential outpatient procedures.