Simulation of punch biopsies: a case study

As the incidence of skin cancer continues to rise, there is an increasing need for skilled practitioners that are proficient in identifying suspicious lesions and competent in acquiring biopsies that provide for optimal determination of malignancy and staging. We report on the development of a prototype simulation that emulates the basic procedures necessary to acquire a punch biopsy. The objective of this effort is to produce a low-cost, effective method to teach non-specialists, i.e., nurse practitioners, internists, etc., the optimal placement of the punch to obtain a biopsy for pathological analysis. The simulation can be utilized for synchronous sessions with remote experts, as well as asynchronous sessions for deliberate practice. The simulation is designed to allow for easy import of digital images of various lesions to promote use and present the wide pathological variance experienced in the clinic.