Are All Manikins Created Equal? A Pilot Study of Simulator Upper Airway Anatomic Fidelity

Abstract

This study evaluates the anatomic fidelity of several commercially available pediatric and adult manikins, including airway task trainers, which could be used in aerodigestive procedure training. Twenty-three experienced otolaryngologists assessed the aerodigestive anatomy of 5 adult and 5 pediatric manikins in a passive state, using rigid and flexible endoscopy. Anatomic fidelity was rated on a 5-point scale for the following: nasal cavity, nasopharynx, oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, trachea, esophagus, and neck. Mean scores and standard deviations were tabulated for each manikin at each anatomic site. Ratings by survey participants demonstrated variation in the anatomic fidelity of the aerodigestive tract in a range of manikins. Radar chart display of the results allows comparison of manikin fidelity by anatomic site. Differences in scores may allow instructors to select manikins with the best anatomic fidelity for specific educational purposes, and they may contribute to recommendations to improve future manikin design.

Validation of a Sensor‐Fitted Simulator for Upper Airway Examination

“…Woo et al 8 used a Likert scale–based questionnaire to evaluate the anatomic fidelity of several upper airway simulators and concluded that the AirSim Multi simulator was the most anatomically realistic. Similarly, in our study, in the face validity questionnaire completed by our group of experts, the score for anatomy realism for this simulator was high (4.1/5; Figure 5 ).…”

“…Several models of upper airway examination are currently available on the market 8 . Medium‐fidelity simulators provide no indication of how well the procedure is being carried out, and so it is necessary to have professional supervision, which limits the time available for and increases the cost of practical training.…”

“…Several models of upper airway examination are currently available on the market. 8 Medium-fidelity simulators provide no indication of how well the procedure is being carried out, and so it is necessary to have professional supervision, which limits the time available for and increases the cost of practical training. On the other hand, high-fidelity simulators with feedback are expensive, 16,17 and it has been reported that the cost-benefit ratio for interactive simulators decreases with increasing interactivity.…”

“…Negotiating the endoscope past the nasal turbinate requires good hand-eye coordination, which can be achieved only by repeated practice. 7 Several anatomical models for upper airway examination are currently available on the market, 8 but being models, they provide no information about how well the procedure is being carried out, and so the trainee always needs to be accompanied by an expert who can provide the feedback required for effective learning. Also available on the market are high-fidelity simulators, but these are expensive.…”

Anatomic accuracy, physiologic characteristics, and fidelity of very low birth weight infant airway simulators

“… 5 – 8 Simulators may be a helpful alternative to practice complex procedures, including intubation, without harming or endanger patients. 5 , 9 , 10 A high simulator quality and fidelity (degree of exactness with which something is reproduced) are vital for effective medical education and clinical training in neonatology. 11 – 14 …”