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Gastroesophageal Balloon Tamponade Simulation Training with 3D Printed Model Improves Knowledge, Skill, and Confidence

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Abstract

Background

Gastroesophageal balloon tamponade (BT) tube placement is a life-saving procedure for refractory bleeding from gastroesophageal varices performed by gastroenterologists, intensivists, internists, and emergency medicine physicians. Despite a recognized need for procedural training, no standard curriculum or assessment tools exist. Given the infrequent performance of this procedure, the development of a representative and accessible simulation model would permit hands-on training to practice and maintain proficiency with BT tube placement.

Aims

To assess BT tube placement performance before and after a novel simulation-based learning module in gastroenterology fellows and faculty.

Methods

A 16-item knowledge questionnaire and 22-item procedural skill checklist utilizing a novel 3D printed esophagus model were developed to assess participant knowledge, procedural skills, and confidence prior to our simulation-based intervention and again 8–12 weeks after. Performance metrics were compared pre- and post-intervention within groups and between participant groups.

Results

Fifteen gastroenterology fellows (of 15 eligible; 100%) and 14 gastroenterology faculty (of 29 eligible; 48%) completed training. Fellows demonstrated improvement in knowledge (55% to 79%, p < 0.001) and procedural skill (35% to 57%, p < 0.001) following training. Baseline faculty performance did not differ from fellows’ performance and post-intervention showed similar improvement in knowledge (61% to 77%, p = 0.001) and procedural skill (40% to 49%, p = 0.147). Overall satisfaction with training was high in both groups post-intervention and faculty felt more confident teaching fellows.

Conclusion

The presented learning module offers a unique, low stakes opportunity for learners to improve skills, gain knowledge, and build confidence in placing BT tubes using a realistic simulation model.

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Funding

National Institutes of Health under Award Number P30NS048154.

Author information

Author notes

  1. Christopher Mowry and Ruhail Kohli have equally contributed to this work.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA

    Christopher Mowry

  2. Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA

    Ruhail Kohli

  3. Division of Digestive and Liver Health, Department of Medicine, Denver Health, Denver, CO, USA

    Courtney Bhat & Aimee Truesdale

  4. Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 East 19th Avenue, Campus Box B146, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA

    Paul Menard-Katcher & Michael Kriss

  5. Optogenetics and Neural Engineering (ONE) Core, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA

    Andrew Scallon

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Contributions

CM contributed to writing—review & editing. RK, AT, and CB contributed to development of training module and assessment tools, investigation, formal analysis, methodology, writing—original draft, and writing—review & editing. PMK contributed to investigation, formal analysis, methodology, writing—original draft, and writing—review & editing. AS contributed to designed and fabricated 3D esophagus model. MK contributed to conceptualization, development of training module and assessment tools, data curation, investigation, formal analysis, methodology, visualization, writing—original draft, and writing—review & editing.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Michael Kriss.

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Mowry, C., Kohli, R., Bhat, C. et al. Gastroesophageal Balloon Tamponade Simulation Training with 3D Printed Model Improves Knowledge, Skill, and Confidence. Dig Dis Sci 68, 1187–1194 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-022-07665-8

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