Cleft lip repair simulation: an Australian trainee experience

**Background**: Cleft lip repair is technically challenging surgery that requires an appreciation of the complex anatomy of the lip and nose. Effective transference of skill has been demonstrated through the use of simulations. We established a cleft lip and palate simulation workshop to improve tra...

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Main Authors: Rachel Khoo, Emily Ryan, Vijith Vijayasekaran, David A Gillett
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons 2023-03-01
Series:Australasian Journal of Plastic Surgery
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.34239/ajops.v6n1.70245
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author Rachel Khoo
Emily Ryan
Vijith Vijayasekaran
David A Gillett
author_facet Rachel Khoo
Emily Ryan
Vijith Vijayasekaran
David A Gillett
author_sort Rachel Khoo
collection DOAJ
description **Background**: Cleft lip repair is technically challenging surgery that requires an appreciation of the complex anatomy of the lip and nose. Effective transference of skill has been demonstrated through the use of simulations. We established a cleft lip and palate simulation workshop to improve training. In this report we assessed the confidence of plastic surgery trainees to perform a cleft lip repair before and after the simulation exercise. **Design**: We purchased 3D high-fidelity simulation models for the workshop. Participants watched a short video depicting cleft lip markings, incisions and repair. Two senior cleft surgeons provided additional commentary and teaching throughout the workshop. **Method**: A 'confidence scale' questionnaire was distributed to 11 plastic surgery trainees. The questionnaire comprised of eight questions on a Likert scale of 1–5 (total score = 40) that prompted a self-assessment of confidence, surgical skill, knowledge and level of 'anxiety' in carrying out a cleft lip repair. Questions about the level of training and prior experience were added to the survey. Participants completed the survey before and after the simulation. **Results**: Comparison of pre and post-simulation surveys showed an average increase of 53.5 per cent in total scores. Improvements were found for all attendees regardless of their level of training or prior experience. **Conclusion**: Simulation training is a validated solution that aids in the acquisition of skills and knowledge. Using simulations in the surgical curriculum has the potential to improve operative learning.
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institution Kabale University
issn 2209-170X
language English
publishDate 2023-03-01
publisher Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons
record_format Article
series Australasian Journal of Plastic Surgery
spelling doaj-art-cdc37beeccec481c8d02c0a89381157f2025-08-20T03:45:24ZengAustralian Society of Plastic SurgeonsAustralasian Journal of Plastic Surgery2209-170X2023-03-016110.34239/ajops.v6n1.70245Cleft lip repair simulation: an Australian trainee experienceRachel KhooEmily RyanVijith VijayasekaranDavid A Gillett**Background**: Cleft lip repair is technically challenging surgery that requires an appreciation of the complex anatomy of the lip and nose. Effective transference of skill has been demonstrated through the use of simulations. We established a cleft lip and palate simulation workshop to improve training. In this report we assessed the confidence of plastic surgery trainees to perform a cleft lip repair before and after the simulation exercise. **Design**: We purchased 3D high-fidelity simulation models for the workshop. Participants watched a short video depicting cleft lip markings, incisions and repair. Two senior cleft surgeons provided additional commentary and teaching throughout the workshop. **Method**: A 'confidence scale' questionnaire was distributed to 11 plastic surgery trainees. The questionnaire comprised of eight questions on a Likert scale of 1–5 (total score = 40) that prompted a self-assessment of confidence, surgical skill, knowledge and level of 'anxiety' in carrying out a cleft lip repair. Questions about the level of training and prior experience were added to the survey. Participants completed the survey before and after the simulation. **Results**: Comparison of pre and post-simulation surveys showed an average increase of 53.5 per cent in total scores. Improvements were found for all attendees regardless of their level of training or prior experience. **Conclusion**: Simulation training is a validated solution that aids in the acquisition of skills and knowledge. Using simulations in the surgical curriculum has the potential to improve operative learning.https://doi.org/10.34239/ajops.v6n1.70245
spellingShingle Rachel Khoo
Emily Ryan
Vijith Vijayasekaran
David A Gillett
Cleft lip repair simulation: an Australian trainee experience
Australasian Journal of Plastic Surgery
title Cleft lip repair simulation: an Australian trainee experience
title_full Cleft lip repair simulation: an Australian trainee experience
title_fullStr Cleft lip repair simulation: an Australian trainee experience
title_full_unstemmed Cleft lip repair simulation: an Australian trainee experience
title_short Cleft lip repair simulation: an Australian trainee experience
title_sort cleft lip repair simulation an australian trainee experience
url https://doi.org/10.34239/ajops.v6n1.70245
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AT davidagillett cleftliprepairsimulationanaustraliantraineeexperience