ERIC Number: ED659955
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 7
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
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Empowering Rural and Remote Health Professionals Training: A Cost-Effective Skin Suturing Simulator for Mobile Learning in Clinical Skills Acquisition
Rebecca Mosaad; Julia Micallef; Aliyat Olatinwo; Gordon Brock; Adam Dubrowski
International Association for Development of the Information Society, Paper presented at the International Association for Development of the Information Society (IADIS) International Conferences on e-Society (ES 2024, 22nd) and Mobile Learning (ML 2024, 20th) (Porto, Portugal, Mar 9-11, 2024)
Introduction: This study aimed to develop a cost-effective suturing and knot typing simulator that aligns with the expectations of experts, addressing the need for affordable yet high-quality medical training tools. The focus was on assessing the efficacy of a silicone skin suture task trainer, created through a 3D printed mold, for use in mobile learning, specifically in rural and remote contexts. Methods: Rural and remote trainees participating in a skills acquisition workshop, engaged in a 90-minute suturing simulation station. They received minimal feedback from physician educators to simulate independent practice. After the practice, they completed a survey assessing the acceptability and feasibility of the simulator for the intended training purpose, as well as providing feedback for future improvements. Results: Results from quantitative data revealed the simulator's potential to develop competence (4.2 out of 5) and confidence (4.1 out of 5). Participants expressed a readiness to practice suturing independently using the simulator (4.3 out of 5). Notably, the realism of the simulator was identified as an area for improvement in terms of anatomical correctness (3.6 out of 5) and accuracy (3.4 out of 5), while durability scored high (4 out of 5). Participants found the simulator easy to use (4.4 out of 5) and well-suited for developing cognitive (4.4 out of 5) and psychomotor skills (4.2 out of 5) related to suturing and knot typing. Several improvements were noted, especially in the areas of anatomical representativeness, material selection, and interactions between the simulator and clinical tools. Conclusions: This paper outlines the acceptability and feasibility of the simulator, designed to complement an online learning management system for hands-on clinical skill learning within the mobile learning paradigm. Despite high self-efficacy and educational value scores, concerns about realism suggest a need for a hybrid design approach that balances costs and anatomical fidelity in simulator development. [For the full proceedings, see ED659933.]
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Physicians, Computer Simulation, Computer Assisted Instruction, Workshops, Electronic Learning, Clinical Teaching (Health Professions), Surgery, Program Evaluation, Feedback (Response), Instructional Improvement, Rural Areas, Feasibility Studies, Mobile Educational Services
International Association for the Development of the Information Society. e-mail: secretariat@iadis.org; Web site: http://www.iadisportal.org
Publication Type: Speeches/Meeting Papers; Reports - Research
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Language: English
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Identifiers - Location: Canada
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