The Role of Simulation in Teaching Sinus Surgery in Otolaryngology Residency: A Survey of Rhinologists

Abstract

Background:Simulation is currently recognized as an effective surgical training tool. However, no standardized curriculum exists for endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) simulation training. The goal of this study was to obtain an understanding of current ESS simulation use to aid the future development of an ESS training curriculum.Methods:A 14-question survey regarding sinus simulation in residency training was developed through the education committee of the American Rhinologic Society. The survey was administered to academic American Rhinologic Society members in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The participants provided information regarding the type, amount, and effectiveness of simulation use in their residency program.Results:Responses were received from 67 training programs; 45% of the programs endorsed using simulation training, although only 23.9% used ESS simulation, and all the programs used cadavers. Only 12.5% of respondent programs required ESS simulation training before operating on live patients, and trainees had an average of <6 hours of simulation training before live operations. A majority of respondents observed subjective improvement in residents' endoscope handling, dexterity, and understanding of anatomy after ESS simulation. The greatest obstacles identified were associated cost and lack of realistic simulators.Conclusion:A majority of responders observed improved surgical technique and knowledge in residents after simulation training. However, <25% of the survey responders used ESS simulation and cited cost and limited availability as the most common barriers. A curriculum of validated simulators has potential to improve the quality of ESS training during residency.

Teaching frontal sinus anatomy using the frontal sinus masterclass 3‐ D conceptualization model

“…Over the past decade, simulation training has become an increasingly common means of teaching surgical skills. Multiple studies have identified a positive correlation between simulation use and resident confidence and performance; however, there is need for a standardized simulation ESS curriculum . To date, even the best simulators lack fidelity to fully experience frontal sinus anatomy.…”

“…Multiple studies have identified a positive correlation between simulation use and resident confidence and performance [11][12][13][14][15] ; however, there is need for a standardized simulation ESS curriculum. 6,16 To date, even the best simulators lack fidelity to fully experience frontal sinus anatomy.…”

Construct validity of a low‐cost medium‐fidelity endoscopic sinus surgery simulation model

“…Further, the current apprenticeship model of surgical training results in only sporadic opportunities to perform specific tasks. The role of simulation has generally increased in otolaryngology, although implementation into actual rhinology curricula has lagged . As such, it is important that validated simulators are available for use in resident training.…”

A systematic review of validated sinus surgery simulators

“…A survey of American Rhinology Society members regarding sinus surgery simulation found that 45% of residency training programmes endorsed the use of simulation training but only 23.9% used ESS simulation in their training programmes. The greatest obstacles identified by the survey were cost and lack of realistic simulators …”