A Low-cost model of breast biopsy for the training of surgical residents during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

We describe a low-cost simulation model for teaching core needle biopsy to surgical trainees in Low- and Middle-income countries (LMICs). Pre-session and post-session surveys showed that correct core sampling (ability to hit the beetroot) after training was 91.4% compared to 75.7% before demonstration and improved adequacy (68.5% before v. 85.7% after). This low-cost model using locally available products is designed to simulate a palpable breast lump and can easily be incorporated into surgical training in LMICs, where a palpable breast lump is the commonest presentation of breast cancer.

Ten lessons for global surgery researchers

“…However, simple innovative ideas can develop low-cost, low maintenance, locally made simulators with self-assembly of components that are available locally or online and even with used, discarded or expired disposable instruments. These may be accessible to trainees worldwide 18,19 . More importantly, skills acquired through these low-cost simulations translate into improvements in operating room performance by reducing the initial learning curve, and their efficacy is on par with expensive systems 20,21 .…”