Research Day
A NOVEL TASK TRAINER FOR BALLOON TAMPONADE OF GI HEMORRHAGE
Document Type
Abstract
Date
2021
Abstract
Introduction: Gastro-esophageal balloon tamponade (GEBT) of massive hemorrhage from esophageal varices is an infrequent and risky procedure performed on unstable patients. Such procedures are ideally learned on simulators. Unfortunately, no commercial trainer is available. Study Objectives: The primary objective was to determine if a new task trainer provides sufficient realism and enhances confidence among resident physicians learning GEBT. The secondary objective was to determine if integrating procedural training into a case simulation is educationally effective.
Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of Emergency Medicine residents from WMed who participated in a simulation exercise. An esophagus/stomach model allowing passage of a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube and inflation of balloons to therapeutic pressures was built into a mannequin. Teams of residents managed a simulated case of GI hemorrhage that required tube insertion and safe inflation of gastric and esophageal balloons, followed by debriefing. The procedure was incorporated into the scenario without prior training. Subjects completed an anonymous, online, 13-question survey.Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: Sixteen residents participated in the simulation and completed the survey. Only two subjects had prior clinical experience with the procedure. Most found the model (81%) and the case (94%) realistic. 94% said they acquired valuable knowledge and skills, and 63% reported that their confidence improved. 94% found contextual exposure to the procedure during a case simulation to be valuable. The educational methods that respondents thought were most motivating and efficient varied.
Conclusion: This novel gastro-esophageal balloon tamponade task trainer was realistic and educationally valuable.