A Novel, Cost-Effective And Convenient Model For Simulating Facial Wound Repair

Abstract Introduction We describe the use of a novel synthetic simulation pad for learning complex facial wound management including local flaps. The simulation pad is a cost effective and convenient model of facial wounds. We have compared the use of animal tissue to the simulation pad in the context of a workshop for surgical trainees and collected feedback from delegates. Methods Feedback was collected from 14 of 16 attending delegates. Results It was clear from feedback that animal tissue is not an ideal model of facial wounds with 71% of delegates stating that they did not consider it to be high-fidelity. The synthetic pad was rated more favourably with 100% of delegates reporting that it was a valuable exercise and well designed for local flaps. Conclusions It is imperative that training opportunities are high quality and useful to clinical practice. Techniques learnt in the context of a course or workshop are more valuable where targeted practice may occur following learning. The use of a synthetic pad is more amenable to continued practice where it may be taken home following a workshop. Feedback from this event suggests a well-designed synthetic pad is more useful than animal tissue in learning local flaps.