Building CauterClay, a low-cost, high-fidelity training model for nasal cautery: a technical report.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to design and evaluate a low-cost, high-fidelity nasal cautery model (CauterClay) for increasing user confidence in carrying out nasal cautery.

METHODS

We created CauterClay with an air-dry clay scaffold, simulated nasal mucosal lining and bleeding point. We carried out single-centre assessment with a variety of nasal cautery-naive and experienced doctors. Doctors were asked to complete pre- and post-induction surveys regarding confidence, prior experience and model fidelity.

RESULTS

CauterClay use was associated with a statistically significant increase in user confidence in carrying out nasal cautery. All nasal cautery-naive users reported an increase in self-reported confidence following model use. Users rated the fidelity of our model highly, here we demonstrate how others can create their own CauterClay model.

CONCLUSION

Here we outline the first published low-cost, high-fidelity nasal cautery model. Our findings demonstrate it is associated with increased user confidence, suggesting it may be valuable for training nasal cautery-naive clinicians.