Construction of a Simulation Scenario and a Low-Cost Simulator for Teaching Thoracentesis Surgical Technique: A Validation Study

Abstract

Abstract Background Thoracentesis yields valuable insights in pleural effusion diagnosis by accurately interpreting pleural fluid analysis results and can cause several complications, which emphasizes the importance of training in a simulated environment. There are many expensive simulators related to this procedure and few validated scenarios. This study aimed to build and validate a low-cost simulator and a clinical simulation scenario for teaching the thoracentesis surgical technique to undergraduate medical students. Methods This is a methodological study carried out at a public university in the interior of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. It was carried out in three methodological stages, namely: 1) Construction of the simulator, which involved planning, surveying, pricing, and use of material resources 2) Construction of a simulated thoracentesis scenario, based on literature and a simulation script and 3) Validation by experts and pilot study of the simulator and scenario. Experts were selected according to Fehring criteria. Results The simulator proved to be suitable and low-cost (US $18). Modifications to the scenario were suggested by the experts and students in the pilot study, with 100.0% agreement. Conclusions In conclusion, a low-tech, handmade, and low-cost simulator was built and validated for training in the thoracentesis surgical technique, as well as a clinical simulation scenario for the management of patients with pleural effusion, which can be included in various medical teaching contexts.