BACKGROUND: Training models are necessary for development of many skills in medical education. OBJECTIVE: To develop a training model for improvement of simple surgical procedure skills. METHODS: A convex, rectangular, smooth-surfaced wooden plate covered by first cotton material and then polyethylene stretch film was used. Skins of rats that had been used previously for experimental studies were attached on the wooden plate. In order to see efficacy of our model, we decided to use it in a cutaneous surgery workshop. Theoretical and practical information about surgical sutures, punch biopsy, excisional biopsy, rotational flap, and Z-plasty procedures was given to the participant physicians. Surgical skills of participants were scored before and after the practical part of workshop. RESULTS: Thirty-three physicians were enrolled voluntarily to the workshop. All participants showed statistically significant increase in scores (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The similarity to human skin and the easy setup make this training model an ideal teaching tool to improve the skills of physicians for simple cutaneous surgery.
BACKGROUND: Training models are necessary for development of many skills in medical education. OBJECTIVE: To develop a training model for improvement of simple surgical procedure skills. METHODS: A convex, rectangular, smooth-surfaced wooden plate covered by first cotton material and then polyethylene stretch film was used. Skins of rats that had been used previously for experimental studies were attached on the wooden plate. In order to see efficacy of our model, we decided to use it in a cutaneous surgery workshop. Theoretical and practical information about surgical sutures, punch biopsy, excisional biopsy, rotational flap, and Z-plasty procedures was given to the participant physicians. Surgical skills of participants were scored before and after the practical part of workshop. RESULTS: Thirty-three physicians were enrolled voluntarily to the workshop. All participants showed statistically significant increase in scores (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The similarity to human skin and the easy setup make this training model an ideal teaching tool to improve the skills of physicians for simple cutaneous surgery.