Medical simulation devices, called task trainers, can be used to train abscess I & D, as a step between book learning and practicing on a real patient. The main problems with commercial abscess task trainers are that they are expensive, have limited diversity options, and simulation centers may run into supply chain issues when ordering them. There are some DIY alternatives, but they have low fidelity and can be complicated to create.

This thesis explores the creation of some DIY methods of abscess task trainer creation to address these issues. The abscess task trainers created are lower cost and allow customizable fidelity, such as variety of skin tones and the ability to add inflammation. To help a simulation center facilitator navigate this customizability, an interactive resource was designed to allow users to pick different options for the components of the abscess task trainer. The component categories are the base, skin, color, drainage, and details. Based on their choices, a user will then receive customized instructions for abscess task trainer creation.