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Evaluation of a low-fidelity ear surgery simulator in a low-resource setting

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 October 2017

K Luu ,
L Straatman ,
D Nakku ,
B Westerberg ,
N Carter  and
M Clark
K Luu
Affiliation:
Division of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
L Straatman
Affiliation:
Division of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
D Nakku
Affiliation:
Department of ENT Surgery, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda
B Westerberg*
Affiliation:
Division of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
N Carter
Affiliation:
Institute of Audiology and Primary Ear Health Care, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
M Clark
Affiliation:
Division of Otolaryngology – ENT Surgery, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital and Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Brian D Westerberg, BC Rotary Hearing and Balance Centre at St Paul's Hospital, 2600–1081 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada Fax: +1 604 806 8777 E-mail: BWesterberg@providencehealth.bc.ca
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Abstract

Objective:

The provision of healthcare education in developing countries is a complex problem that simulation has the potential to help. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a low-cost ear surgery simulator, the Ear Trainer.

Methods:

The Ear Trainer was assessed in two low-resource environments in Cambodia and Uganda. Participants were video-recorded performing four specific middle-ear procedures, and blindly scored using a validated measurement tool. Face validity, construct validity and objective learning were assessed.

Results:

The Ear Trainer provides a realistic representation of the ear. Construct validity assessment confirmed that experts performed better than novices. Participants displayed improvement in all tasks except foreign body removal, likely because of a ceiling effect.

Conclusion:

This study validates the Ear Trainer as a useful training tool for otological microsurgical skills in developing world settings.

Keywords

Global HealthEducationMedicalTeachingForeign BodiesTympanic MembraneMiddle Ear Ventilation
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 131 , Issue 11 , November 2017 , pp. 1010 - 1016
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2017 

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