Designing a workshop for a temporal artery biopsy simulation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate a wet-lab session designed to teach temporal artery biopsy (TAB) using simulation.

METHODS

The Welsh Institute for Minimal Access Therapy Team (WIMAT) developed two simulation models using pig ureter for the temporal artery. The session consisted of consultant-led teaching on TAB surgical approaches, mapping the temporal artery with a Doppler device, and practical demonstrations with videos. Trainees performed two biopsies using the models under consultant supervision. Participants completed questionnaires to evaluate their pre- and post-session knowledge, understanding, and learning experiences. Three key areas of comparison were mapping the temporal artery, using an ultrasound doppler device, and performing a TAB.

RESULTS

Seven specialist trainees (ST1-5) and 3 staff grade surgeons, supervised by 3 consultants, participated. Paired t test sampling showed statistically significant improvements in mapping the temporal artery (P = 0.0076), using an ultrasound Doppler device (P = 0.0002), and performing a TAB (P = 0.0002). Identified barriers included lack of knowledge, limited prior procedures, concern about damaging the facial nerve, and lack of senior support/supervision, which contributed to trainees' apprehension about performing TAB.

CONCLUSIONS

This innovative teaching event offers a blueprint for medical training programs to improve TAB training. Modern surgical education benefits from wet labs with expert supervision.