Three-Dimensional Affordable Stone Models for Cleft Lip Markings: A Prospective Study of Learner Satisfaction

Introduction Knowledge of surgical markings for unilateral cleft lip (UCL) repair is critical for surgical competency. However, few appropriate models are accessible to residents and affordable and accurately reproduce this 3-dimensional (3D) deformity. We propose that cleft care units have the capability of creating affordable 3D stone models to teach UCL markings. Methods Polyvinyl siloxane and SnapStone were used to create UCL stone models. Thirteen plastic surgery residents were prospectively recruited, provided with a textbook chapter and online module for studying surgical markings for UCL repair, and then asked to perform the markings on a UCL stone model and standardized patient photograph. Learner satisfaction was evaluated using a modified survey based on the Student Evaluation of Educational Quality survey. Results The production time of each model was 10 minutes, whereas the cost was $1.84. Participants reported that the stone model was more stimulating (4.77 ± 0.44 vs 3.92 ± 0.86; U = 38.0; P = 0.008), increased their interest more (4.70 ± 0.48 vs 3.53 ± 1.20; U = 33.5; P = 0.005), allowed better learning (4.61 ± 0.51 vs 3.08 ± 0.86; U = 10.0; P
Source: Annals of Plastic Surgery - Category: Cosmetic Surgery Tags: Research Source Type: research