Construct validity of a simulator for myringotomy with ventilation tube insertion
This article was presented at the 2009 AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO, San Diego, CA, October 4-7, 2009.
Received 10 March 2009; received in revised form 8 July 2009; accepted 29 July 2009. published online 01 October 2009.
Abstract
Objectives
To establish construct validity of an anatomic model as a simulator for myringotomy with ventilation tube insertion and to assess its subjective appeal.
Study Design
Cross-sectional, repeated-measures comparative evaluation of simulator.
Setting
University academic otolaryngology residency program.
Subjects and Methods
Using an anatomic model of the human auricle, ear canal, eardrum, and middle ear space, 18 otolaryngologists of various levels of training performed 10 timed procedures: myringotomy with ventilation tube insertion. Errors were recorded, and participants reported the quality of their experience.
Results
Both time-to-completion and errors per trial discriminated novices from non-novice participants; novices (02:23, 95% confidence interval [CI], 01:42-03:04) were 3.6 times slower than non-novices (00:39, 95% CI, 00:35-00:43) and 6.5 times more error prone (novices 2.16 errors/trial, 95% CI, 1.68-2.64; non-novices 0.33 errors/trial, 95% CI, 0.21-0.45). Errors were strongly correlated with prior surgical experience. All participants required more time to complete the first trial, and their performance stabilized thereafter. Overall, the simulation was perceived as a valuable experience.
Conclusion
Our model is a valid platform for simulating myringotomy with ventilation tube insertion. The model discriminates novices from non-novices, has a learning curve, and is perceived to be a valuable and realistic teaching tool by users.
aDepartment of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA
bDepartment of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA
cUniversity of Virginia School of Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA
Corresponding author: Bradley W. Kesser, MD, Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, PO Box 800713, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0713
Sponsorships or competing interests that may be relevant to content are disclosed at the end of this article.
ABSTRACT