A Novel Task Trainer for Penile Corpus Cavernosa Aspiration

Abstract

Introduction Priapism is a rare yet time sensitive emergency with potentially significant morbidity. A novel task trainer was developed for corpus cavernosa aspiration and phenylephrine injection. The primary aim of this study was to assess model realism and usefulness for emergency medicine resident procedural education. Secondarily, an assessment of comfort level with the procedure before and after intervention was performed. Methods A priapism model containing corpus cavernosa and spongiosum analogs was constructed. The models and evaluation forms were pilot tested by faculty and then tested for realism and usefulness in a sample of 49 residents after a brief training session. Secondary end points included resident comfort with cavernosa aspiration before and after the session of the model on a visual analog scale. Results Eight faculty pilot tested the procedure model and evaluated it based on a 5-point scale. They unanimously felt that the model was realistic [mean = 4.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.8–5.0] and useful for resident education (mean = 4.8, 95% CI = 4.4–5.0). The model was then evaluated for realism and usefulness in 49 residents. The model was felt to be realistic (mean = 4.3, 95% CI = 4.0–4.5) and useful for resident education (mean = 4.6, 95% CI = 4.4–4.8). Residents also noted an improvement in comfort performing the procedure before and after simulation session with the mean visual analog scale rating increasing from 34.3 to 83.8 (P < 0.001). Conclusions An easily constructed priapism task trainer was felt to be realistic and useful for resident education. Secondarily, use of the model in a simulation session can improve resident comfort in an important and infrequent procedure.

A Low-Cost Priapism Detumescence Simulator for Emergency Medicine Residents

“…As we discussed, our model was inspired by a previous model from Ruest et al [ 9 ]. The authors used a similar, but hollow phallic model with larger penrose drains for the corpora cavernosa, as well as the corpus spongiosum.…”

“…The general design was inspired by previous work from Ruest et al, who used a condom trainer and penrose drains to build a more elaborate trainer [ 9 ]. The condom trainers used in their study were too cost-prohibitive for our design, so a more simple, less expensive condom trainer was used for our design.…”

An update on the management algorithms of priapism during the last decade

“…It is was found that is realistic and useful for resident education. The use of the model in a simulation session can improve resident comfort in performing corpus cavernosa aspiration and phenylephrine injection (35).…”

Simulation-based procedure training (SBPT) in rarely performed procedures: a blueprint for theory-informed design considerations

“…Despite this, higher fidelity simulation may be more appropriate for advanced learners to give an adequate level of psychological fidelity. Whilst there are many commercially available simulators, high- and low-fidelity simulators, particularly for procedural skills, can be created from readily accessible material, such as gelatine-based and 3D printing, at low cost [ 11 , 13 , 19 , 55 , 56 ].…”