3D printing and silicone models of primary skin lesions for dermatological education as remote learning tool

The corona pandemic affects many aspects of life - with challenges in medical treatment undoubtedly of paramount importance. However, continuing medical education needs to be consistently provided. During a semester with lockdown-phases and limited student-to-patient-contact availability, we supplied silicone models of primary skin lesions to every student and asked them to evaluate this teaching tool.

In two anonymous online surveys, we asked students enrolled in dermatology (n = 222) at the Medical Facility of the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich in the winter semester 2020/2021 - subsequent to online teaching - about their understanding and self-assessment of primary skin lesions before and after receiving silicone models for practice. The models were produced by layering different types of silicone into negative 3D printed molds made from polylactide to attain different degrees of hardness and colors.

Data from 211 (95.0 %) and 213 (95.9 %) of the 222 students were analyzed before and after receiving the silicone models, respectively. In all questions the students stated a highly significant improvement in their skills (P < 0.001). The majority of students evaluated the silicone models positively and reported a better understanding and learning of primary skin lesions.

This study demonstrates the benefit of haptic experience in dermatology teaching not only in the time of COVID-19, but also thereafter.