Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2025
Author Spotlight: Development of a Novel Finite Element Analysis Model for Improved Orthognathic Surgical Techniques
Published on: October 20, 2023
Simulation Training Approach for Cleft Lip and Palate Repair in Low-Income Countries
Tiffanie-Marie Borg1,2, Sara Solomon3, Rik Alfarrouh2
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK.
Insights
Surgical training workshops significantly improved cleft lip and palate repair skills for doctors in Syria. Simulation tools enhance surgical education, particularly in low-resource regions.
Area of Science:
- Global Surgery
- Medical Education
- Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery
Background:
- Civil strife increases untreated cleft lip and palate deformities due to trauma care needs and surgeon shortages.
- Charitable organizations provided limited cleft care in Syria during the war.
- There is a critical need to train more cleft surgeons in conflict-affected and low-income regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of a cleft lip and palate repair workshop for doctors in Syria.
- To evaluate the impact of simulation-based training on surgical confidence and ability.
Main Methods:
- A workshop involving didactic teaching and two simulation sessions was conducted for 50 doctors in Syria.
- Trainees received pre-workshop learning materials.
- Pre- and post-workshop questionnaires assessed confidence and ability in cleft repair.
Main Results:
- Before the workshop, 96% of participants had no independent experience in cleft lip repair and 100% had no cleft palate repair experience.
- Mean confidence scores significantly improved from 2.452 pre-workshop to 3.503 post-workshop (P < .001).
Conclusions:
- The workshop and cleft lip and palate simulator are effective training tools for surgical education.
- This training model can support global surgical training, especially in low-income countries.
- Continued support from charities is essential for sustained training delivery.
Background:
During periods of civil strife, the need for trauma care and lack of sufficient cleft surgeons causes an increase in children left untreated with cleft lip and palate deformities. During the Syrian war, some cleft care was provided through visiting charities, with surgeries performed both in Syria and neighboring countries. There is a need to increase the number of adequately trained cleft surgeons available in such regions so that care can be achieved beyond mission trips.
Methodology:
Cleft lip and palate repair workshops were delivered to 50 doctors in Syria. Pre-workshop, trainees received supplementary learning material. During the workshop, attendees received didactic teaching followed by 2 simulation sessions. Pre- and post-workshop, attendees completed questionnaires regarding their confidence and ability to perform cleft lip and palate repair.
Results:
Pre-workshop, 96% of workshop attendees had never independently performed cleft lip repair while 100% of attendees had not previously performed cleft palate repair. The mean pre-workshop confidence score was 2.452. Post-workshop, the mean confidence score was 3.503. Confidence rating scores significantly improved (P < .001).
Conclusion:
The workshop delivered in Syria, together with this cleft lip and palate simulator provides an effective training tool that may support surgical training globally, particularly those in low-income countries. Further support is needed by charity organizations to ensure the continued delivery of such training.
