Use of 3D printed head and neck models for simulating 10 common ENT emergency procedures: a prospective validation study

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to validate a high-fidelity three-dimensional (3D)-printed head and neck model for training emergency medicine (EM) physicians, primary care physicians and allied health professionals in managing 10 common ear, nose and throat (ENT) emergencies.

Setting: The study was conducted at an ENT Emergencies course in London.

Study design: Prospective validation study.

Participants: All delegates (n=90) were healthcare professionals. Among them, 60% (n=54) were EM residents/trainees, 28% (n=25) were primary care residents/trainees, 4% (n=4) were ENT residents/trainees, 4% (n=4) were emergency nurse practitioners, 2% (n=2) were primary care attending physicians and 1% (n=1) was an EM attending/consultant. All faculty were consultant ENT surgeons (n=11).

Intervention: The 3D models, produced using proprietary 3D printing technology (Fuesetec), were used in a 1-day ENT emergencies course for validating training and confidence of delegates in performing 10 common ENT emergencies.

Results: A total of 86% (n=77) of delegates found the models extremely or very helpful in learning ENT emergencies. Delegates rated the resemblance to real patients as excellent or very good in both haptic feedback (n=58, 64%) and tissue texture (n=67, 74%). Additionally, 74%-96% of delegates felt confident in performing the 10 ENT procedures after using the models.

Conclusions: The 3D models enhanced participant confidence in performing 10 common ENT emergency procedures, demonstrating good face, content and indirect criterion validity. These models could support emergency ENT skill development in local emergency departments.

Keywords: ACCIDENT & EMERGENCY MEDICINE; OTOLARYNGOLOGY; Primary Care.

Figure 1. ENT emergency head and neck simulation models internal anatomy reconstruction. (A) Head and neck model. (B) Left-sided peritonsillar abscess model. (C) Narrowed external auditory canal for otitis externa simulation. The internal anatomy is displayed on segmentation software Netfabb (Autodesk). ENT, ear, nose and throat.

Figure 2. ENT emergency simulation models external display. (A) Head and neck model for simulating foreign body nose removal, epistaxis management, peritonsillar abscess drainage, flexible nasendoscopy, post-tonsillectomy bleed management and foreign body of the throat removal. (B) Ear model for simulating Pope otowick insertion/otitis externa treatment and foreign body ear removal. (C) 3D printed trachea and overlying neck for simulating tracheostomy insertion and drainage of a post-thyroidectomy haematoma. 3D, three dimensions; ENT, ear, nose and throat.