Development and Initial Assessment of a Novel Customized Deep Laceration Simulator for Suturing Training

Suturing of different layers, such as deep lacerations, is a challenging clinical skill for residents. Currently, there is a lack of general suturing instructions and practice in undergraduate medicine curricula which would add to the education required during residency and could be impactful to patient safety. Therefore, in order to adequately prepare trainees for clinical practice, training in suturing needs to be made more robust and executable. One way to facilitate this is to provide easy access to equipment that can offer good educational value while allowing for adequate repetition of suturing deep lacerations outside of clinical settings, similar to how it has been done for superficial lacerations. Simulation-based medical education addresses this by training residents in healthcare skills in a safe and controlled environment. Our technical report aims to describe the development and initial evaluation of a deep laceration simulator designed to train residents in suturing. The simulator was made using additive manufacturing techniques such as three-dimensional printing and silicone. Feedback on the simulator was provided by Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal clinicians from various specialties and residents. The simulator was assessed mainly as being easy to use, durable, and having anatomically accurate characteristics. The main improvements suggested were to make the skin thinner, divide the epidermis and dermis, add a fascia, and create a looser and friable layer of fat. Overall, the respondents rated the simulator as a good educational tool with a few minor adjustments.