I, Stig Borbjerg Laursen, Clinical Professor and Chief Physician at Odense University Hospital, Department of Medical Gastrointestinal Diseases, have had the pleasure of collaborating with Tine Elisiussen and Kicki Norman on the development of the training model for simulation in hemostasis of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The collaboration is driven by a mutual desire to strengthen the competencies of healthcare professionals and ultimately improve patient safety.
Odense University Hospital (OUH) is Denmark’s largest center for the treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and we see great potential in this model, which is now integrated into the training both at OUH and in national courses within advanced endoscopic treatment.
Each year, approximately 6,000 patients in Denmark are admitted with acute gastrointestinal bleeding, including patients with esophageal varices, a critical and often fatal condition. Bleeding varices are difficult to treat, and mortality can reach up to 55% within six weeks. The recommended intervention in these cases is the placement of a stent, but the procedure is technically demanding, and the prevalence of the condition makes it challenging for many physicians to maintain routine and expertise.
The training model from Nordic Phantoms offers a unique opportunity for physicians to practice under realistic conditions, which is essential for developing the necessary skills for acute intervention. The model enables simulation of anatomical and technical challenges frequently encountered in clinical practice and can thus help reduce complications and improve treatment outcomes. The phantom is now systematically used in national courses and at OUH, where we are already seeing a positive impact on the competence level of participating healthcare professionals.
I therefore fully support Tine and Kicki and look forward to continuing to use the phantom in both national and international training contexts.
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