Using 3D-printed nose models in nasopharyngeal swab training

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has swept across the globe with massive effects on health care systems as well as global economies. Enhanced testing has been put forward as a means to reduce transmission while awaiting the development of targeted therapy or effective vaccination. However, achieving accurate testing necessitates proper nasopharyngeal swab techniques. Methods and results: We aimed to design and investigate the utility of an anatomically accurate threedimensional (3D) printed model of the nose in the training for nasopharyngeal swabs. These models were implemented during training sessions for healthcare workers. All participants surveyed felt that the 3D printed models were useful and beneficial in the training of nasopharyngeal swab techniques. Conclusions: 3D printed nose models are a useful tool in nasopharyngeal swab training. Their usage may help to facilitate the training of potential swabbing manpower in the upscaling of testing capabilities and volumes in this COVID-19 era.

Automated summary

Using 3D printed nose models as a training tool for nasopharyngeal swabs is practical and beneficial in the COVID-19 era. Survey results indicate that healthcare workers are satisfied with the use of 3D models in training for nasopharyngeal swab techniques. The utilization of such models can help improve testing capabilities and volumes.