Development and Validation of a Laryngeal Microsurgery Simulation Training System for Otolaryngology Residents.

[OBJECTIVE] This study aims to create a synthetic laryngeal microsurgery simulation model and training program; to assess its face, content, and construct validity; and to review the available phonomicrosurgery simulation models in the literature.

[STUDY DESIGN] Nonrandomly assigned control study.

[SETTING] Simulation training course for the otolaryngology residency program at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.

[METHODS] Resident (postgraduate year 1 [PGY1]/PGY2) and expert groups were recruited. A laryngeal microsurgery synthetic model was developed. Nine tasks were designed and assessed through a set of programmed exercises with increasing difficulty, to fulfill 5 surgical competencies. Imperial College Surgical Assessment Device sensors applied to the participants' hands measured time and movements. The activities were video-recorded and blindly assessed by 2 laryngologists using a specific and global rating scale (SRS and GRS). A 5-point Likert survey assessing validity was completed by experts.

[RESULTS] Eighteen participants were recruited (14 residents and 4 experts). Experts performed significantly better than residents in the SRS (p = .003), and GRS (p = .004). Internal consistency was demonstrated for the SRS (α = .972, p < .001). Experts had a shorter execution time (p = .007), and path length with the right hand (p = .04). The left hand did not show significant differences. The survey assessing validity resulted in a median 36 out of 40 points score for face validity; and 43 out of 45 points score, for global content validity. The literature review revealed 20 available phonomicrosurgery simulation models, only 6 with construct validity.

[CONCLUSION] The face, content, and construct validity of the laryngeal microsurgery simulation training program were established. It could be replicated and incorporated into residents' curricula.