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The Development of Novel Low-Cost, High impact Models – Can Simulation Survive in Plastic Surgery Education?
Joanna H. Ng-Glazier, MD, Jeffrey A. Gusenoff, MD
University of Pittsburgh
2019-02-13
Presenter: Joanna H. Ng-Glazier
Affidavit:
Joanna H. Ng-Glazier
Director Name: Vu T. Nguyen
Author Category: Resident Plastic Surgery
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: General Reconstruction
BACKGROUND: Studies suggest that simulation is beneficial to surgical trainees, but its role has not been well defined in plastic surgery.
METHODS: Residents at an accredited plastic surgery program identified several topics of clinical deficiency in their current educational structure. A multi-session curriculum spanning 6 months was developed to address each topic. Using low cost materials, four models were created to target skills in breast surgery, bedside ultrasound procedures, safe buttock augmentation, and drilling/pinning across hand and joint fractures. Improvement in knowledge and skill comfort, quality of models and supplemental materials, and overall satisfaction were measured immediately after each session.
RESULTS: 24 residents (100% participation) identified skill deficiencies in preoperative breast markings, ultrasound for bedside procedures, comfort with gluteal fat injection, and drilling/pinning fractures. Utilizing a scale of 1-10, average post-simulation knowledge and skill comfort doubled for all sessions, including breast markings (4.32 -> 7.00), ultrasound-guided aspiration of abscess/seroma, nerve blocks, gluteal fat injection (3.65 -> 7.25), and drilling/pinning (3.15 -> 6.56). Satisfaction ratings were 8.64, 9.13, and 9.25, respectively. Stratification by training year indicated greater impact in junior residents for drilling/pinning, but no difference for breast markings or ultrasound procedures. For traditional versus integrated residents, there was greater impact for all sessions except ultrasound. 100% of residents desired future sessions with the current models.
CONCLUSION: Repetitive skill simulation using reusable low-cost, high impact models has the potential to supplement current plastic surgery resident education. Long term validation, retention, and Identification of targeted skills by training level is necessary for ongoing assessment.
