A Novel Peritonsillar Abscess Simulator.
BACKGROUND
In response to the growing demand for a peritonsillar abscess simulator, we developed a novel model to teach needle aspiration as well as incision and drainage of this common oropharyngeal disorder. The objectives of this study were to describe the construction of the simulator and to assess its realism and usefulness in the acquisition of drainage skills.


METHODS
The training model was created with reusable and readily available materials. During an otolaryngology emergencies boot camp, expert otolaryngologists performed abscess drainage and subsequently instructed novice learners on the techniques of the procedure. Each participant completed a questionnaire using a 5-point Likert-type scale to assess simulator realism and training usefulness.


RESULTS
A peritonsillar abscess drainage model was created using readily available materials. A total of 18 experienced attending otolaryngologists and senior otolaryngology residents (postgraduate year 4 and postgraduate year 5) participated in this study. All participants rated the trainer realistic, and 94% agreed that the model correlates with the essential skills needed for peritonsillar abscess management. All participants felt that this model would be useful in residency training to help develop dexterity, accuracy, and precision with peritonsillar abscess drainage instruments.


CONCLUSIONS
An easily reproducible peritonsillar abscess simulator was highly rated as a means of teaching peritonsillar abscess anatomy and provided opportunity for hands-on learning of drainage skills.
From the Georgetown University School of Medicine (H.B.); and Departments of Surgery (B.M.W.), and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (S.M.), MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC; Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (K.M.M), University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI.
Haley
H
Bunting
Brette Marie
BM
Wilson
Kelly Michele
KM
Malloy
Sonya
S
Malekzadeh
D006801:Humans; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000193:education*; D019152:Paracentesis / Q000379:methods*; D000039:Peritonsillar Abscess / Q000601:surgery*