Development and validation of a low-cost tracheostomy simulator

AIMS: To develop and validate a low-cost simulator for tracheostomy training associated with a smartphone application that can be used for undergraduate education in medical schools. METHODS: The development of the so called TraqueoSim simulator comprised stages of prototypes and molds, defining processes and materials that best resemble human tissues and still have the characteristic of low cost. The model consists of an external plastic mannequin, inner parts and skin made of silicone rubber. The app associated with the mannequin, called TraqueoSim app, was programmed in IITML/CSS/JavaScript made available initially for Android (R), the expansion for iOS being possible as a next step. Its functionalities include guiding the procedure, interacting with the user and generating a performance evaluation report. The final product was submitted to a face and content validation test using a zero to 10 scale questionnaire.The sample comprised 10 lecturers of the medical course of the Federal University of Parana separated into two groups of five participants, according to experience in tracheostomy. The values obtained in each question were analyzed considering the total sample. Then, the data of the two groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney method. RESULTS: The total cost of the simulator was approximately 78.00 USD, with a cost of 0.34 USD per procedure. The validation test indicated satisfactory results regarding the simulation of the technique (mean of 9.38 +/- 0.396 points, in a zero- to 10-point scale, with zero being the worst and 10 the best score) and the experience of using it (mean of 9.36 +/- 0.361 points). In addition, participants approved the use of the associated application (mean of 9.27 +/- 0.153 points) and stated that the simulator can be used in medical education (mean of 9.8 +/- 0.422 points). CONCLUSIONS: The validation test allowed to infer good acceptance of TraqueoSim and its correspondent app, representing a low cost, effective alternative for medical teaching. Its concept can be reproduced in new projects in the area of medical simulation, considering the perspective of growth of this type of teaching.