A Modern Education Theory Approach to Development of a Benchtop Simulation Model for Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous...

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Medical Simulation
• Surgical Education

Background:

• Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a complex urologic procedure.
• There is a need for high-fidelity, safe, and accessible training simulators for PCNL.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a high-fidelity, nonbiohazardous simulator for ultrasound-guided PCNL.
• To assess the simulator's realism, educational effectiveness, and impact on surgical skills.

Main Methods:

• A systematic framework using Delphi consensus and modern education theory guided the design.
• Expert surgeons identified key procedural elements, which biomedical engineers translated into engineering deliverables.
• A prototype was created using 3D printing and hydrogel molding, followed by validation through multicenter trials with 48 participants.

Main Results:

• A hydrogel prototype with realistic anatomy was developed, receiving positive feedback on fidelity and educational value.
• Validation studies revealed significant performance differences between novices and experts.
• Residents showed significant improvement and retention of skills after repeated simulation training.

Conclusions:

• The developed simulator is a realistic and effective training tool for urologic education.
• It addresses the need for safer and more accessible surgical training modalities for PCNL.
• This simulator can enhance the training of urology residents in PCNL procedures.