Validation of a low-cost simulation strategy for burn escharotomy training

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Burn Care

Background:

• Escharotomy is critical for managing deep, circumferential burns to prevent vascular compromise.
• Effective training in escharotomy indications, technique, and potential pitfalls is essential due to its infrequent and high-risk nature.
• Low-resource and military settings necessitate accessible and reproducible training methods for escharotomy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate an educational strategy for teaching burn escharotomy.
• To combine video-based instruction with a low-cost, low-fidelity simulation model.
• To assess the effectiveness and participant satisfaction with the novel training approach.

Main Methods:

• A one-hour training session was conducted for pre-hospital and hospital-based medical personnel.
• Training included video instruction on escharotomy indications, preparation, steps, and complications.
• A supervised, hands-on simulation using a low-cost model followed the video instruction.

Main Results:

• Forty participants with diverse experience levels (surgeons, residents, students, pre-hospital personnel) completed the training.
• Participants rated the educational strategy highly on active learning, collaboration, and diverse learning methods.
• High satisfaction and increased self-confidence were reported by participants across all experience levels.

Conclusions:

• A combined video and low-fidelity simulation strategy effectively trains medical personnel in escharotomy.
• This reproducible educational approach enhances knowledge and confidence for performing escharotomy.
• The strategy is particularly valuable for resource-limited and military environments.