Effectiveness of a novel pork belly simulation model versus traditional training for ultrasound-guided TAP block in anesthesiology residents

BACKGROUND: We developed a novel, low-cost pork belly model for simulation training in ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block among anesthesiology residents. This study aimed to investigate its effectiveness in clinical teaching. METHODS: Thirty anesthesiology residents underwent training for ultrasound-guided TAP block. They were allocated to a traditional training group (Group A, n = 15) or a pork belly model simulation training group (Group B, n = 15). Residents in both Group A and Group B received identical theoretical training on ultrasound-guided TAP block. However, residents in Group B additionally underwent simulation training using a pork belly model. Subsequently, all residents performed two TAP block procedures on surgical patients under the supervision of clinical instructors. Finally, each resident was required to independently perform one TAP block procedure, and their entire operational process was evaluated using a standardized scoring scale by instructors who were unaware of the group assignments. Additionally, before and after the training session, all residents were required to complete a subjective questionnaire using a Likert scale to self-assess their general knowledge of abdominal ultrasound, their understanding of TAP blocks, and their confidence in performing TAP blocks. RESULTS: Group B demonstrated significant advantages over Group A, especially in objective performance measures.The standardized scoring results, which revealed that Group B residents exhibited superior ultrasound image quality (p < 0.001) and needle visualization (p < 0.001). Moreover, Group B achieved significantly shorter procedure times (201s vs. 276s, p = 0.002) and a notably higher success rate for independently performing the TAP block procedure (93.3% vs. 26.7%, p < 0.001). For the subjective self-assessment items, Group B showed notable within-group improvements in some areas (abdominal image discrimination, needle guidance, injectate spread assessment; overall confidence, all p < 0.002083), while Group A showed no significant change except in abdominal image discrimination after training. However, the between-group differences did not reach statistical significance after correction; only abdominal image discrimination remained significant after correction (p < 0.002083). CONCLUSIONS: Integrating this novel pork belly model into a simulation‑based training strategy is associated with improved technical proficiency and success rate of ultrasound-guided TAP block among resident physicians.