Abstract

Introduction: High-acuity low-occurrence (HALO) procedures require skilled performance as they are needed in the treatment of life-threatening conditions and can be associated with significant morbidity when performed incorrectly. Practitioners often have difficulty maintaining competence, however due to their infrequent occurrence. Simulation has been shown to be a valuable means to bridge the training gap. Tube thoracostomy is one example where that practitioners would benefit from simulated practice. Currently, there are a number of commercially available simulators, however they often have limited anatomical accuracy and are quite expensive. Fortunately, three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies have demonstrated the capability to produce acceptable models applicable to the practice of HALO procedures.

Purpose: The objective of this study is to develop a realistic model using 3D printing technology for the simulation-based instruction of a number of procedures, including tube thoracostomy for training of learners at various levels.

Methods: The iterative development of the thorax model will be completed in collaboration with the 3D printing team. Once developed, its utility will be tested through hands-on practice workshops. Content experts will practice chest tube insertion on the model and provide feedback through a qualitative survey; focusing on the assessment of appearance, realism, and overall value in procedural training.

Results/Conclusion: The iterative development of the multifunctional thorax model is currently ongoing and will eventually be evaluated for a number of HALO procedures. Tube thoracostomy has been chosen for the initial evaluation. We hypothesize that the 3D-printed model will provide an anatomically realistic and cost effective alternative that users find acceptable in performing HALO procedures such as chest tube insertion.