Introduction: Pericardiocentesis is a high-risk/low-frequency procedure important to emergency medicine (EM). However, due to case rarity it is not often performed on a patient during residency training. Because the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic limited cadaver-based practice, we developed a novel, low-cost, low-fidelity pericardiocentesis model using three dimensional-printing technology to provide advances on prior home-made models. 

Methods: Residents watched a 20-minute video about performing a pericardiocentesis and practiced both a blind and ultrasound-guided technique. We assessed model fidelity, convenience, and perceived provider competence via post-workshop questionnaire. 

Results: A total of 24/26 (93%) individuals practicing on the ultrasound-guided model and 22/24 (92%) on the blind approach model agreed or strongly agreed that the models reasonably mimicked a pericardial effusion. 

Conclusion: Our low-cost, low-fidelity model is durable, mimics the clinical case, and is easy to use. It also addresses known limitations from prior low-fidelity models.

Introduction: Patients present to the emergency department (ED) relatively commonly with traumatic closed proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) dislocations, an orthopedic emergency. There is a paucity of teaching models and training simulations for clinicians to learn either the closed dislocated dorsal or volar interphalangeal joint reduction technique. We implemented a teaching model to demonstrate the utility of a novel reduction model designed from three-dimensional (3D) printable components that are easy to connect and do not require further machining or resin models to complete.

Methods: Students watched a two-minute video and a model demonstration by the authors. Learners including emergency medicine (EM) residents and physician assistant fellows assessed model fidelity, convenience, perceived competency, and observed competency.

Results: Seventeen of 21 (81%) participants agreed the model mimicked dorsal and volar PIPJ dislocations. Nineteen of 21 (90%) agreed the model was easy to use, 21/21 (100%) agreed the dorsal PIPJ model and 20/21 (95%) agreed the volar PIPJ model improved their competency.

Conclusion: Our 3D-printed, dorsal and volar dislocation reduction model is easy to use and affordable, and it improved perceived competency among EM learners at an academic ED.