title: Face and content validation of a novel three-dimensional printed temporal bone for surgical skills development.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the face and content validity of a novel synthetic, three-dimensional printed temporal bone for surgical skills development and training.
  
  
  METHODS
  A synthetic temporal bone was printed using composite materials and three-dimensional printing technology. Surgical trainees were asked to complete three structured temporal bone dissection exercises. Attitudes and impressions were then assessed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Previous cadaver and real operating experiences were used as a reference.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Trainees' experiences of the synthetic temporal bone were analysed in terms of four domains: anatomical realism, usefulness as a training tool, task-based usefulness and overall reactions. Responses across all domains indicated a high degree of acceptance, suggesting that the three-dimensional printed temporal bone was a useful tool in skills development.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A sophisticated three-dimensional printed temporal bone that demonstrates face and content validity was developed. The efficiency in cost savings coupled with low associated biohazards make it likely that the printed temporal bone will be incorporated into traditional temporal bone skills development programmes in the near future.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology,Westmead Hospital,Sydney,Australia.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Da Cruz
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery,Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine,Baltimore,Maryland,USA.
authors.forename: H W
authors.initials: HW
authors.lastname: Francis
mesh_terms: D002102:Cadaver; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D066330:Printing, Three-Dimensional; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D019291:Skull Base / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000601:surgery
keywords: 3D Printing; Temporal Bone; Training