OBJECTIVE: To assess the short-term and skill-retention effects of a structural simulation curriculum for the repair of obstetrical anal sphincter injuries (OASIS).
METHODS: This prepost experimental study recruited 31 obstetrics and gynecology residents from Peking Union Medical College Hospital. OASIS repair skill evaluations (at all timepoints) comprised a task-specific checklist (TSC), global rating scale (GRS), and pass/fail grade. A beef-tongue model was adopted in the simulation curriculum. After baseline testing, residents completed a structured 1-h workshop. Two weeks later, a second test was performed, followed by a one-to-one teaching workshop, with the proper completion of a checklist as the end-point. Three months later, residents completed a third test.
RESULTS: The overall pass rate at baseline was 16.1%, with higher GRS scores (p = 0.035) in senior residents. Additionally, previewing the procedure before class and a history of OASIS repair observation were associated with higher TSC and GRS scores. Significant skill improvement was observed in the second and third tests, with pass rates of 96.8% and 93.5% respectively. Both TSC and GRS scores were improved compared with baseline (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: A structural simulation curriculum integrating deliberate practice under supervision improves OASIS repair competence and achieves satisfactory skill retention.

The use of 3-dimensional (3D)-printed models is promising in nasal endoscopic technique training. Here, we aimed to develop postsurgical simulants for use in conjunction with 3D-printed nasal models and to assess their usefulness in helping residents transfer basic endoscopic skills acquired during simulation training to clinical situations.
The secretion simulant was prepared via a crosslinked reaction between sodium alginate and acrylamide, whereas the packing simulant was prepared using a superabsorbent polymer. After the simulants\' fidelity and utility were evaluated by 5 rhinologists using a 5-point Likert scale, 46 novice residents were trained using the 3D-printed nasal models and postsurgical simulants for 2 weeks. A checklist and Global Rating Scale (GRS) were used to assess their performances before and after training, and the time to finish each task was also recorded. Following training, the qualified trainees operated on real patients and were reevaluated.
The simulants\' similarity and usefulness scored ≥4.0, and the training cost was 28 CNY ($4 USD) per session. Following training, the checklist and GRS scores increased, and the operation time decreased (all p < 0.05). There were no statistical differences between the trainees\' performances on the models with the simulants and on patients (all p > 0.05).
The low-cost simulated secretion and dressing are safe to use. The application of the simulants in conjunction with that of 3D-printed nasal models in a simulated task setting can help residents in transferring endoscopic skills acquired during simulation teaching to real patients.