Gauging the Optimal Simulator Complexity for Learning Cleft Lip Repair: A Cost-Benefit Analysis

Area of Science:

• Surgical Education
• Medical Simulation
• Cleft Lip Repair

Background:

• High-fidelity cleft lip simulators are valuable but costly.
• A reduced-complexity simulator (LCS) was developed, preserving essential anatomy.
• This LCS omits features like nasal cartilages and skeleton found in a higher-complexity simulator (HCS).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a reduced-complexity cleft lip simulator.
• To compare trainee self-assessed improvement between a lower-complexity simulator (LCS) and a higher-complexity simulator (HCS).

Main Methods:

• A hybrid retrospective-prospective cohort study design.
• Trainees (n=52) were divided into LCS and HCS groups.
• Self-assessed knowledge and confidence were measured pre- and post-simulation using validated questionnaires.

Main Results:

• Both LCS and HCS groups showed significant pre- to post-simulation improvement.
• No statistically significant difference in net score improvement was found between the LCS and HCS groups (P=0.09).
• Multivariable analysis confirmed no significant effect of simulator type on self-assessed improvement (OR=1.30).

Conclusions:

• Reduced-complexity cleft lip simulators are effective for novice trainees.
• Cost-effective simulators can enhance accessibility to simulation-based surgical education.
• This approach has the potential to broaden the reach of surgical training.