Abstract
Objective: Find a material to simulate the quantitative, as well as qualitative, qualities of the tension and compliance of a tympanic membrane based on published values of the elastic modulus for a tympanic membrane.
Method: Prospective study that took place from August to December 2009. Using the Instron Testing Instrument, an elastic modulus was calculated for various materials. Based on these values, 3 materials were chosen. Seven physicians performed a myringotomy and completed a survey to rank subjective qualities of the materials.
Results: Nitrile gloves, Kimwipes, and laboratory stretch film all had an elastic modulus that fell within the previously published range of the tympanic membrane elastic modulus and were chosen to undergo further evaluation. Kimwipes scored the highest in terms of compliance, tension, and texture compared with an actual TM during blunt palpation. Nitrile gloves scored the highest in terms of compliance, tension, and texture while making the myringotomy incision. Nitrile gloves scored best when comparing how the incision split open, responded to suction, and felt during introduction of the PE tube. Overall Nitrile gloves scored the highest.
Conclusion: As competency-based teaching and evaluation becomes a bigger part of resident-training, the utility of training models will also likely become more widespread. Nitrile gloves represent a material that is inexpensive, is widely available, and displays a quantitative and qualitative linear elasticity similar to that of a true tympanic membrane.
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