Teaching Transnasal Endoscopy to Graduate Students Without a Hospital or Simulation Laboratory: Pool Noodles and Cadavers

Purpose

This study reports on a training opportunity in endoscopy in which speech-language pathology graduate students use inanimate objects and cadavers. Best practices for transnasal endoscopy in vivo require a physician to be nearby, but many graduate programs do not have this access.

Method

Endoscopy was offered as a graduate elective. Students (13 women) initially learned to manipulate the endoscope through the lumen of a swimming pool noodle that was embedded with trinkets. Endoscopic examination of inanimate objects became increasingly complex, followed by endoscopic examination of a cadaver.

Results

Pre- and postexamination measures and qualitative data from the 13 students revealed that students increased in confidence and in interest in this aspect of the field. All students met practical competencies for handling the endoscope, passing the endoscope on a narrow tube, and visualizing objects. Some students had the opportunity to pass the endoscope on a peer and did so successfully.

Conclusion

For programs with a cadaver lab available, this protocol offers an affordable option compared with purchasing a simulator. For those with neither a cadaver lab nor a simulation lab, passing the endoscope on inanimate objects alone is beneficial to student development and learning.

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