Comparative evaluation of two suturing models for preclinical training

Abstract

Introduction: Demonstration and training on the live subject are not always an optimal means of introducing students to suturing technique. The use of live patient as a test subject is not acceptable with today's ethical standard. It would be advantageous to use a preclinical training model that impersonates real-life conditions, through which manual dexterity and a high degree of psychomotor skill can be achieved. This helps to master the suturing technique under semi-realistic circumstances at an affordable cost. The model most closely resembling the actual condition should be considered. Materials and Methods: A total of 54 postgraduate students participated in the study. The material required for both the models were distributed among participants and asked to prepare the models. Then, suturing was performed on models, and the questionnaires were given for feedback. Model 1: Require orange peel, alginate impression material, and dental stone. Model 2: Require mackintosh, sponge, alginate impression material, and glass slab. Depending on the questionnaire, response results were calculated. Results: All participants experienced that glass slab model was more durable than the orange model. Thirty-six participants experienced that orange model is easy to prepare compared to glass slab model. There was a significant linear trend among the ordered categories seen using Chi-square test. Conclusion: According to the participant's preference orange model was better in all aspects such as ease of preparation, the passage of suture needle, and the time required for suturing compared to glass slab model which was more durable and less gaping experienced with it. Hence, we concluded that orange model was better for preclinical suturing training.

Keywords

• Preclinical suturing model
• study model
• suturing