Development of simulation platforms for Laser Phonosurgery, Laryngeal Endoscopy, and Fiber-carried Laser Procedures

ABSTRACT

@#<p style="text-align justify;"><strong>Background.</strong> Simulators in laryngology are an essential part of training. They provide an avenue for medical students and resident trainees to practice valuable psychomotor skills outside the realm of an actual patient encounter - thereby decreasing the risk of possible patient morbidity. Herein we present three locally manufactured simulation devices that can be used to train residents in laryngology procedures.</p><p style="text-align justify;"><strong>Objective.</strong> To present three simulation platform devices (Laser Box, Flexible Endoscopy Simulation, Thiel Cadaver Chair) and their applications in simulation-based learning</p><p style="text-align justify;"><strong>Methods.</strong> The Laser Box, Flexible Endoscopy Simulation, and Thiel Cadaver Chair were manufactured by outside parties designated as 'Laser Machinists'.</p><p style="text-align justify;"><strong>Results.</strong> Ten (10) units of the Laser Box, two (2) units of the Thiel Cadaver Chair, and two (2) units of the Flexible Endoscopy Simulation were constructed. They were used in a laryngology postgraduate course in our institution to teach the participants on endoscopies and laser phonosurgery.</p><p style="text-align justify;"><strong>Conclusion.</strong> Simulation for otolaryngologic procedures should be an essential part of training. The learning curve for procedures such as laryngoscopy and laser phonosurgery can be addressed with the production of simulation platforms. Most institutions in the Philippines still adopt the "see one, do one, teach one" approach, which lacks standardization and puts patients at risk. Various task trainers for laser phonosurgery and flexible endoscopy have been reported in the literature, but there seems to be no published data on the use of a cadaver chair for simulation. In the COVID-19 era, aside from being excellent teaching tools, simulation platforms derive their importance in helping train residents, educate medical students, and review consultants - maximizing skill development - and thereby decreasing repeated attempts, and indirectly, exposure to the SARS-CoV-2. Future validation studies are required for the models, with the eventual long-term goals to further standardize training, increase patient safety and incorporate a simulation-based curriculum for the specialty locally.</p>