A novel method for improving chest tube insertion skills among medical interns. Using biomaterial-covered mannequin

Objectives: To develop a low-cost biomaterial-covered chest tube simulation model and assess its possible usefulness for developing the chest tube insertion skills among medical interns. Methods: This mannequin-based interventional study was performed in a University hospital setting. We included 63 physicians performing emergency medicine internship at the Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey, between January 2015 and March 2015. A dummy was prepared for training simulation using a display mannequin. Medical interns received instruction concerning pneumothorax and the chest tube procedure. A total of 63 medical interns participating in this interventional study were asked to insert a chest tube in a biomaterial-covered mannequin. A senior trainee scored their performance using a check list and the mean of the total scores was calculated (21 items; total score, 42). Results: The mean procedural score was 40.9 ± 1.3 of a possible 42. The maximum score of 42 was achieved by 39.7% of the medical interns, while another 33.3% achieved a score of 41. Of the participants, 85% succeeded in inserting the tube via an appropriate technique, achieving a score of 40 or more. Conclusion : Our results indicated that this model could be useful for effective training of medical interns for chest tube insertion, which is an important skill in emergency medicine. This biomaterial-covered model is inexpensive and its use can potentially be widened to improve training methods without significant financial demand. Saudi Med J 2017; Vol. 38 (10): 1007-1012 doi: 10.15537/smj.2017.10.21021 How to cite this article: Tatli O, Turkmen S, Imamoglu M, Karaca Y, Cicek M, Yadigaroglu M, Bayrak ST, Asik O, Topbas M, Turedi S. A novel method for improving chest tube insertion skills among medical interns. Using biomaterial-covered mannequin.   Saudi Med J . 2017 Oct;38(10):1007-1012. doi: 10.15537/smj.2017.10.21021.