Otolaryngology Simulation Curriculum Development and Evaluation for Medical Education in Rwanda

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Simulation
• Otolaryngology Training

Background:

• Limited access to hands-on training and equipment in low-middle-income countries necessitates innovative solutions.
• Building foundational otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat) skills is crucial for medical graduates, particularly those entering primary care.
• Developing confidence in basic procedures is vital before specialization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a novel, low-cost otolaryngology simulation curriculum for medical students in Rwanda.
• To assess the impact of the simulation on students' knowledge, perceived skills, and confidence in performing key otolaryngology procedures.

Main Methods:

• A preintervention and postintervention study design was employed at the University of Global Health Equity in Rwanda.
• The curriculum included low-cost simulation models for cricothyrotomy, tracheostomy, ear foreign body/cerumen removal, epistaxis management, and nasal foreign body removal.
• Student knowledge, experience, perceived skill, and confidence were assessed pre- and post-simulation, with feedback collected via survey.

Main Results:

• Twenty-nine medical students participated in the simulation program, integrated into an otolaryngology boot camp.
• Simulation models were constructed using readily available materials at minimal cost ($1.02 for cricothyrotomy, $0.20 for foreign body models).
• Significant increases in knowledge and perceived confidence were observed across all simulated procedures. Students reported the simulations as useful and enjoyable.

Conclusions:

• The low-cost otolaryngology simulation curriculum is a feasible and acceptable training method for medical students in Rwanda.
• The program successfully enhanced students' knowledge, interest, and confidence in fundamental otolaryngology skills.
• This approach offers a scalable solution for improving surgical skills training in resource-limited settings.