Combined use of simulation and digital technologies for teaching dermatologic surgery

Abstract

Editor,We live in an era in which an educational revolution is occurring in most surgical and non-surgical medical specialties. Simulation models have become increasingly popular as part of many surgical training programs, providing a safe and controlled environment in which surgical skills can be acquired, perfected and assessed.1 We hereby share our experience using computers, simulation models, an interactive whiteboard and digital video and photography in the teaching of dermatologic surgery. A hands-on advanced dermatologic surgery symposium for dermatology residents in our center was held in our institution. First, a general review of basic and advanced surgical skills using power-point presentations was made. An interactive whiteboard allowed the participants to draw and explain possible flap designs and incision lines (Fig. 1).The residents then practiced in a simulator bust model (IL Duomo, DermSurg Scientific; Fig. 2), a high-fidelity surgical training module. All residents explained the concepts behind every flap, practiced and were then assessed for proficiency.A GoPro Hero camera (GoPro, Inc., San Mateo, CA, USA) was used to take digital pictures and video of all procedures from the surgeon's perspective (Fig. 2d) in order to give feedback on the performed procedure and as a means of future reference.In the past three decades, medical education has gone through a paradigm shift as simulation models rapidly change the traditional training paradigm. Dermatological surgical training has just begun to turn its eyes to this new form of teaching, practicing and assessing surgical skills.2,3 A wide array of new sophisticated simulator and synthetic skin models that emulate the surgical setting are available. 1 While these skills can directly be transferred to a patient in a safe manner with a high procedural efficiency, they should still be assessed in a live operative setting. 4,5Usefulness of interactive whiteboards in health sciences education has already been reported and reviewed. 6 The use of the GoPro camera has been previously used to capture high resolution video of plastic surgery procedures. 7The use of instructional power-point presentations or videos, followed by live demonstrations and intermittent practice and evaluations has a clear benefit over a single instructional session.8 While implementation of digital photography, educational and simulation technologies is a big challenge in many training centers, efforts should be made to make their combined use the new standard in dermatologic surgery teaching.

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