Exploring the use of instructional dermatology surface models within a dermatology-focused objective structured...

Objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) using real dermatology patients are challenging to standardize due to condition variability and urgent removal of cancerous lesions. Simulated patients alongside photographs offer standardization but lack authenticity and disrupt consultation flow. Instructional dermatology surface models (IDSMs) offer a realistic alternative, replicating dermatoses as temporary three-dimensional transfers. This project evaluated medical student experiences using an IDSM depicting malignant melanoma within an OSCE involving 263 students. Post-examination, 80 students completed an online questionnaire assessing realism, utility and communication. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and sentiment analysis. Students found the IDSM realistic and beneficial for enhancing consultation skills. Positive sentiments dominated; the net sentiment ratio was 5% and 'realistic' was the most common descriptor; 91% of students preferred IDSMs over photographs. Findings suggest that IDSMs benefit dermatology examinations by better simulating clinical practice. The increased cost of IDSMs compared with photographs is an important consideration for their use.