| Abstract | Objectives/Hypothesis: To assess the construct validity of a high-fidelity neck model with simulated lymph adenopathy. Study design: Prospective experimental validation study. Methods: Six first year medical students with prior training (novice learners) and six otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (OtoHNS) residents (experts) performed the head and neck lymph node examination on a novel tissue-mimicking construct model of the neck region. Two otolaryngologists, blinded to training type, evaluated the videotaped performances, using two assessment tools specifically designed for the head and neck lymph node examination: a global rating scale (GRS), and a task-based checklist (TBC). Results: The OtoHNS residents scored significantly higher than the medical student s on the GRS (p=0.008). There was also a trend towards better scores for the residents on the TBC (p=0.085). Conclusion: This is the first reported stud y of a high-fidelity lymphadenopathy model with task¬ specific assessment tools. The neck model demonstrated construct validity, by easily distinguishing between experts and novices on the basis of procedural competence. Using the global rating scale and task-based checklist, this model can be used to provide formative feedback, and to assess technical skill s acquisition in trainees. |
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