User-Centered Summative Evaluation of a Novel Bartholin Cysts Training Simulator With Advanced Practice Providers

Advanced practice providers (APPs) have limited opportunities to practice Bartholin duct cyst incision and drainage prior to patient care. We developed a low-cost simulator using a functional task alignment approach and conducted a summative user evaluation during a 3-month APP obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) course. During the course, clinicians and simulation operations specialists iteratively designed a reusable Bartholin cyst task trainer emphasizing procedural accuracy, haptic fidelity, and rapid reset. Eighteen APP learners used the simulator during the course and rated its quality on a 5-point Likert scale following hands-on practice. Sixteen participants rated the simulator as “Excellent,” one as “Very Good,” and one as “Good.” User feedback informed refinements to cyst characteristics and instrument setup. Findings suggest the simulator has strong perceived training value. A user-centered, functionally aligned design produced an inexpensive, scalable trainer that supports deliberate practice while identifying opportunities to further improve procedural fidelity.