Dale J Podolsky1,2, David M Fisher1,2, Karen W Wong1,2, Thomas Looi1,2, James M Drake1,2, Christopher R Forrest1,2. 1. Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 2. From the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Toronto; the Centre for Image Guided Innovation and Therapeutic Intervention; and the Divisions of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cleft palate repair is a challenging procedure to learn because of the delicate tissue handling required and the small confines of the infant oral cavity. As a result, cleft palate simulators have previously been described to augment cleft palate repair training. Although valuable, they lack the fidelity for this complex procedure. METHODS: A high-fidelity cleft palate simulator was evaluated by staff and fellows in pediatric plastic surgery who provided feedback on its realism, anatomical accuracy, and effectiveness as a training tool. The simulator was implemented within a training workshop following a didactic session on cleft palate repair and anatomy. A test was administered to each participant before and immediately after the workshop to assess knowledge transfer. Perceived confidence of performing a repair following the workshop was also assessed, as was the workshop's effectiveness. RESULTS: Overall, participants agreed that the simulator is anatomically accurate and realistic and strongly agreed that the simulator is a valuable training tool. The average test score increased from 25 percent before the workshop to 77.27 percent after the workshop. Overall, participants of the workshop felt more confident performing a repair and strongly agreed that the workshop was valuable and effective. CONCLUSIONS: A high-fidelity cleft palate simulator has been evaluated as realistic, anatomically accurate, and valuable as a training tool. The simulator was successfully integrated into a training workshop, which resulted in significant knowledge increase on anatomy and the procedure and perceived confidence and comfort in performing a cleft palate repair.
BACKGROUND:Cleft palate repair is a challenging procedure to learn because of the delicate tissue handling required and the small confines of the infant oral cavity. As a result, cleft palate simulators have previously been described to augment cleft palate repair training. Although valuable, they lack the fidelity for this complex procedure. METHODS: A high-fidelity cleft palate simulator was evaluated by staff and fellows in pediatric plastic surgery who provided feedback on its realism, anatomical accuracy, and effectiveness as a training tool. The simulator was implemented within a training workshop following a didactic session on cleft palate repair and anatomy. A test was administered to each participant before and immediately after the workshop to assess knowledge transfer. Perceived confidence of performing a repair following the workshop was also assessed, as was the workshop's effectiveness. RESULTS: Overall, participants agreed that the simulator is anatomically accurate and realistic and strongly agreed that the simulator is a valuable training tool. The average test score increased from 25 percent before the workshop to 77.27 percent after the workshop. Overall, participants of the workshop felt more confident performing a repair and strongly agreed that the workshop was valuable and effective. CONCLUSIONS: A high-fidelity cleft palate simulator has been evaluated as realistic, anatomically accurate, and valuable as a training tool. The simulator was successfully integrated into a training workshop, which resulted in significant knowledge increase on anatomy and the procedure and perceived confidence and comfort in performing a cleft palate repair.
Authors: Carolyn R Rogers-Vizena; Caroline A Yao; Georgios D Sideridis; Lindsey Minahan; Francesca Y L Saldanha; Katie A Livingston; Peter H Weinstock Journal: Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open Date: 2022-07-22
Authors: Rami S Kantar; Allyson R Alfonso; Elie P Ramly; J Rodrigo Diaz-Siso; Corstiaan C Breugem; Roberto L Flores Journal: Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open Date: 2019-09-23
Authors: Francesca Y L Saldanha; Heather A Levites; Steven J Staffa; Christopher Roussin; Alexander C Allori; Carolyn R Rogers-Vizena Journal: Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open Date: 2019-07-24