Content Validity for a 3D-Printed Model for Simulation-Based Training of Basic Epistaxis Management

Hands-on training of basic epistaxis management is often minimal during pregraduate medical training. The objective was to develop and gather structured content validity evidence for a 3D-printed model for simulation-based training and assessment of technical skills in basic epistaxis management. A simulator for epistaxis management training was built based on publicly available 3D-print files with addition of tubing to mimic anterior bleeding. Ten otorhinolaryngologists evaluated the model after performing nasal cavity inspection and insertion and insufflation of a nasal tamponade device. Content validity evidence was collected following Messick's framework. Two content experts contributed to define features in the iterative building process. In the structured evaluation of the model, experienced clinicians found the appearance of the outer nose and the resistance when insufflating a nasal tamponade device into the nasal cavity satisfying (mean score of 3.9 and 4.7 out of 5, respectively), whereas the nasal cavity was found to be a bit too spacious compared with typical real-life conditions. A 3D-printed simulator for simulation-based training of basic epistaxis management was successfully built. Content validity was gathered, and overall, content experts found the model to adequately represent the technical skills challenges for training novices such as medical students and junior doctors.