Abstracts Archive

UK & Ireland Prostate Brachytherapy Conference 2019

Abstract number 5

The Design and Development of Patient-based Anthropomorphic Prostate Training Devices for Novice Oncologists for Trans rectal Ultrasound (TRUS) Guided Prostate Imaging 

Doyle AJ*, King DM**, Sullivan FJ†‡, Cody D*, Browne JE*§ * School of Physics & Optometric Sciences , Medical Ultrasound Physics and Technology Group, Centre for Industrial and Engineering Optics, FOCAS, Technological University Dublin, Ireland ** Blackrock Clinic, Dublin, Ireland † Hermitage Medical Clinic, Dublin, Ireland ‡ Prostate Cancer Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland § Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA 

Introduction: Although ultrasound forms a critical component of prostate cancer treatment, ultrasound training is not required as part of oncology training programs, nor does any objective competency measure exist to independently assess clinical performance. The purpose of this study was to develop a range of training devices which simulate both the anthropomorphic and sonographic characteristics of the different presentations of prostate cancer. 

Methods: The development of the training devices was an iterative process that included feedback from clinical experts to ensure that the devices were clinically relevant. The design of the clinical features involved selection of patient cases and then rapid-prototyping the different anatomical features. Novel tissue mimicking materials were developed that had the sonographic appearance of the prostate and overlying tissues, as well as having the relevant mechanical compliance to give the training devices required haptic feedback. Prototype devices were designed and evaluated by clinical experts to ensure the devices were fit-for-purpose. 

Results: Training devices based on patient cases, the cases were selected as each provided an opportunity for specific technical and clinical competencies to be evaluated and refined through the workshop; as they varied in terms of difficulty and complexity. Each patient case had known patient outcomes based on the optimum treatment and so provided the gold standard against which each trainee could be evaluated. An objective performance metric was developed based on clinical competency and a leader-board of performance was established on a collaborative learning website to provide an aspect of gamification to the training. 

Conclusion: Patient-based anthropomorphic prostate training devices were developed and the 3D prototyped clinical features in these devices provided a more clinically relevant representation of the procedure, providing a more efficacious training opportunity for novice oncologists. 

The incorporation of these training devices with accompanying training programme will provide an opportunity for the novice to develop technical and clinical competencies.