Neil Thayil MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Jeffrey Brooks MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

With regards to mammographic needle localization procedures, it is felt that speed and accuracy are of the essence to have a successful procedure and to minimize the degree of pain/discomfort experienced by the patient. Since acquisition of these procedural skills requires hands-on experience and since it is not ideal for any inexperienced resident to practice such procedures on patients, it is strongly believed that a well constructed breast simulation model can serve as an important educational tool to help residents attain the skills necessary to perform these procedures in an efficient and competent manner while limiting possible harm/discomfort to patients.

To simulate the breast, we purchased turkey products and injected them with a suspension of crushed egg-shells to mimic breast calcifications. A curriculum was provided to the senior residents at our institution. This included a powerpoint lecture that was aimed at providing information pertaining to adequate procedural pre-planning as well as step-by-step instructions on how to skillfully execute a mammographic needle localization procedure. The residents then received hands-on experience by practicing needle localization procedures with the created breast simulation models. The residents also completed pre and post surveys that were used to assess their experience with regards to the effectiveness of the curriculum and their overall comfort levels with performing mammographic needle localization procedures.

Evaluation of pre and post surveys is currently underway, but initial analysis reveals that the residents overwhelmingly considered their experience with the breast simulation models to be very educationally useful. In particular, early analysis indicates that after completing the curriculum, the majority of residents reported an increase in their overall confidence level in being able perform accurate needle localizations.

Breast simulation models are useful educational tools that, when used effectively, can allow residents to become comfortable and skilled with mammographic needle localization procedures before performing them on patients.

Models for procedures are important so physicians can gain experience and confidence. Development of a model for teaching needle localization procedures will benefit both patients and doctors.

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Thayil, N, Brooks, J, Breast Model for Teaching the Needle Localization Procedure.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14011847.html