TITLE:
Combining a Low-Cost Bio-Simulator and Single Use or Disposable Bronchoscope: A Platform for Remote Training
AUTHORS:
Anne Marie Sweeney, Kevin Frederick Deasy, Marcus Peter Kennedy
KEYWORDS:
Bronchoscopy, Simulation, Telemedicine, Bstat Test, Single Use Flexible Bronchoscopy (SUFB)
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Respiratory Diseases,
Vol.12 No.2,
May
30,
2022
ABSTRACT: Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a
reconsideration of our traditional teaching
modalities and develop newer, dynamic methods. Both high and low
fidelity bronchoscopy simulators are costly. The objective was to assess
whether a combination of a low-cost bio-simulator made of recyclable materials
(ALFIETM Airway Low Fidelity including EBUS (endobronchial
ultrasound)) and single use flexible bronchoscopy (SUFB) has the capability of differentiating novices from experts and the
ability to train novices in bronchoscopy. Materials and Methods: Trainees were evaluated individually
before and after training using a modified
validated Bronchoscopy Skills and Tasks
Assessment Tool (B-STAT) and SUFB. Results: 18 trainees were included
(14 residents and 4 fellows). Pre-training assessment of scope handling
differentiated novices from experienced bronchoscopists (p = 0.0025, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 3.12 - 12.17). Training of novices was associated with an improvement in scope handling and sampling (p = 0.0001, 95% CI 4.73 - 10.27). Conclusion: ALFIETM and SUFB have the potential to create a low-cost platform to teach bronchoscopy
remotely.