Simulation in ENT medical education.
OBJECTIVE
Computer-based medical simulation has recently been adopted as a new method of medical education. This paper reviews the uses of medical simulation within the ENT specialty, and reports how such simulation is used in Al-Ahsa College of Medicine, Saudi Arabia.


METHODS
We review our use of a simulation laboratory in ENT training. Students are taught ENT anatomy using physical models, ear diseases using physical models, and ENT examination by watching video recordings, and are taught the principles of common ENT surgery using a computerised mannequin (for laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy). A haptic temporal bone surgery simulator is used for mastoidectomy and functional endoscopic sinus surgery training, and a mannequin for cricothyrotomy and tracheotomy training.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of such simulation methods has greatly improved our students' perception and comprehension.
Abou-Elhamd
K-E A
KE
Department of Surgery, ENT Section, Al-Ahsa College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Kamal375@yahoo.com
Al-Sultan
A I
AI
Rashad
U M
UM
D001999:Bronchoscopy; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods*; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D008348:Manikins; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000193:education*; D010256:Paranasal Sinuses / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery; D012529:Saudi Arabia; D013664:Teaching Materials; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery; D014140:Tracheotomy / Q000193:education; D014584:User-Computer Interface