Faculty Bibliography

Introduction/UNASSIGNED:Tube thoracostomy is a relatively infrequent, high-risk procedure that is a required competency for emergency medicine residents. Simulation-based mastery learning is the gold standard for procedure training and has been used to successfully train residents in high-risk procedures. Methods/UNASSIGNED:We developed a simulation-based mastery learning course for tube thoracostomy for PGY 2 emergency medicine residents. The course included (1) precourse work, (2) baseline assessment using a modified version of the TUBE-iCOMPT checklist, (3) anatomy/radiology review, (4) deliberate practice to master individual aspects of the procedure, and (5) final assessment. If a minimum passing score was not achieved, additional coaching and deliberate practice occurred until the learner was able to achieve a minimum passing score. Results/UNASSIGNED:< .001). Discussion/UNASSIGNED:This simulation-based course was well received by learners. Our assessment demonstrated that learners improved directly observed procedural skills in simulation and confidence in tube thoracostomy placement.

Simulation based procedural training is an effective and frequently used method for teaching vascular access techniques which often require commercial trainers. These can be prohibitively expensive, which allows for homemade trainers made of gelatin to be a more cost-effective and attractive option. Previously described trainers are often rectangular with a flat surface that is dissimilar to human anatomy. We describe a novel method to create a more anatomically realistic trainer using ballistic gelatin, household items, and supplies commonly found in an emergency department such as the plaster wrap typically used to make splints.