Survey of Medical Student Preference for Simulation Models for Basic Dermatologic Surgery Skills: Simulation Platforms in Medical Education

Abstract

Preference data show that the pig foot model is preferred for teaching dermatologic surgical skills. These results re-affirm that the pig foot model is an effective, low-cost solution for training.

Evaluation of Medical Students’ Attitudes and Performance of Basic Surgery Skills in a Training Program Using Fresh Human skin, Excised During Body Contouring Surgeries

“…In the present literature, surgical training programs for medical students use a variety of models such as inanimate models, virtual reality, live animals, and human cadavers. 2,6 Human cadavers most closely approximate reality, but they are used sparsely owing to their high costs, limited availability, and the poor compliance of cadaveric tissue. Live animals represent a good teaching method, but the ethical issues, high costs, and need for specialized facilities limit their use.…”

“…It was a modified version of similar questionnaires used in previously published and validated studies. 2,3,[11][12][13] Basic Surgery Skills Training Package After review of similar previous studies, 14,15 each of the students who answered the preliminary questionnaire was anonymized by receiving a code. We then randomly selected 15 students from them (Research Randomizer, Version 4.0) for participation in the basic surgery skills training.…”

“…1 To overcome these barriers, simulation has become an important part of medical training programs in recent decades. [2][3][4][5] A variety of simulator platforms including pigsʼ feet, synthetic skin, and anatomically accurate mannequins have become available commercially. However, most of this equipment is expensive, difficult to access, or a poor replica of the conditions encountered with actual human patients.…”

“…However, most of this equipment is expensive, difficult to access, or a poor replica of the conditions encountered with actual human patients. 2,6 Furthermore, the functional similarity of the model to its real-life counterpart in simulation-based training is crucial. 6,7 The current surgical curriculum of the University of Bern Medical School includes a suturing course using pigsʼ feet and rotations in which students participate in inpatient care, outpatient care, and surgical interventions.…”

Key Issues in Surgical Training of Residents and Fellows

“…A survey of 157 medical students using pig's feet as a training tool on which to learn punch biopsies and simple interrupted suture techniques found that pig's feet were preferred above both synthetic skin and simulator models in 8 of 11 surveyed categories [10]. In addition to being the most economical platform, pig's feet were favored for the similarity they provided when compared to human skin [10]. Advances in surgical training platforms are making these products an increasingly attractive method for practicing the mechanics and techniques of surgical procedures.…”