High-fidelity patient simulation mannequins to facilitate aerodigestive endoscopy training.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the perceived value of aerodigestive endoscopy training using high-fidelity simulation. DESIGN Self-reported survey. SETTING Pediatric tertiary care hospital. PARTICIPANTS Consecutive sample of otolaryngology residents and 1 fellow during the 2006-2007 academic year. INTERVENTIONS Foreign body aspiration and ingestion were simulated in a high-fidelity, computer-assisted infant simulation mannequin. Avoidance of complications and successful removal required teamwork and responsiveness to the mannequin's physiologic characteristics in addition to dexterity with instruments. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Postcourse 5-point Likert scale and subjective evaluation of perceived realism reported by participants. RESULTS Participant response was generally positive. Ratings were highest for training cognitive and psychomotor endoscopy skills, preventing and managing complications, and facilitating team process. Overall realism and appropriate "feel" showed opportunity for improvement. CONCLUSION Pediatric otolaryngology trainees perceive that high-fidelity patient simulation facilitates acquisition of aerodigestive endoscopy skills, especially in training cognitive and psychomotor endoscopy skills, preventing and managing complications, and facilitating team process.