To Pack a Nose: High‐Fidelity Epistaxis Simulation Using 3D Printing Technology

Background Initial management and stabilization of epistaxis is managed by a diverse offset of clinical providers with variable levels of training. Objective To determine the anatomic and clinical fidelity and ease of use of a novel simulator for the training and assessment of epistaxis management skills. Study Design Qualitative Research Study using expert questionnaire's for validation of a newly developed simulator. Methods We performed a quasi‐experimental intervention with 22 otolaryngology faculty and 10 trainees who independently evaluated the simulator. Data were collected in three phases: phase 1 (preliminary evaluation), phase 2 (final expert evaluation), and phase 3 (trainee evaluation). We designed a three‐dimensional (3D) printed model from a de‐identified patient computed tomography scan. Artificial blood was circulated through catheters to simulate bleeding from three distinct sites (sphenopalatine, Kiesselbach's plexus, and anterior ethmoid). Four domains were assessed: “Physical and anatomic attributes,” “Realism of experience,” “Ability to perform tasks,” and “Value and clinical relevance.” Internal structure and validity were measured with Cronbach's alpha and item outfit mean‐square statistics. Results Results from otolaryngology faculty showed very high median ratings for “Value of the simulator as a training tool” (4.0/4) and high ratings for “Relevance to practice” (4.0/4), and realism of experience (4.0/4). Responses from otolaryngology trainees demonstrated high value for clinical training (4.0/4) and high likelihood to recommend use for future trainees (4.0/4). Confidence in managing epistaxis before (1.0/4) and after (3.0/4) simulator use was statistically improved (P = .03). Conclusions Using 3D printing technology, we created a novel simulator for epistaxis management. Preliminary evidence suggests the model is cost‐effective, anatomically realistic, relevant to trainees' educational needs, and valuable as a training tool. Level of Evidence 3 Laryngoscope, 132:747–753, 2022