[Evaluation of a face model for surgical education]

Area of Science:

• Surgical Education
• Anatomy
• Medical Simulation

Background:

• Facial soft tissue defect repair demands significant surgical expertise.
• Current surgical training relies on literature and supervised practice, which may lack structured skill development.
• A need exists for improved, hands-on training methods for facial reconstructive surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel face model for surgical education.
• To assess the efficacy of the model in training surgical interventions on facial defects.
• To determine if the model improves preparedness for patient surgery.

Main Methods:

• A cooperative project between 3di GmbH and Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena developed a realistic face model.
• The model was utilized in functional and aesthetic surgery workshops and a suturation workshop.
• Attendees evaluated the model's workability and training potential.

Main Results:

• Attendees rated the model's workability and realism highly.
• The face model provided a beneficial platform for practicing surgical techniques.
• Participants found the model useful for preparing to operate on patients with facial defects.

Conclusions:

• The developed face model offers a repeatable and structured approach to surgical education.
• This simulation tool significantly aids in preparing surgeons for managing facial defects.
• Enhanced training with this model can improve patient outcomes in facial reconstructive surgery.