Educational impact of a cost-efficient burns excision and skin grafting porcine simulation model

Burns education is underrepresented in UK undergraduate and early postgraduate medical training, despite being a core emergency presentation. This limits exposure to essential principles and skills. Porcine skin is anatomically similar to human tissue and cost-efficient, offering a valuable tool. This study evaluates the educational impact of a low-cost burns excision and skin-grafting porcine-based simulation model.

A prospective cohort study was conducted through a workshop comprising a lecture on burns followed by hands-on practice using porcine models. Participants completed pre- and post-workshop surveys, including multiple choice questions and evaluated self-rated confidence and perceptions using five-point Likert scales. Technical skills were assessed using supervisor-rated Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS). Statistical analysis utilised Wilcoxon signed-rank and McNemar's Tests.

Thirty participants (28 medical students and two resident doctors) with no prior experience in burns management or grafting partook in the workshop. Theoretical knowledge significantly improved from 1.8 ± 0.7 to 3.9 ± 0.9 (p < 0.01), and surgical skills increased from 1.6 ± 0.7 to 3.6 ± 1.0 (p < 0.01). OSATS scoring showed significant improvements across all domains (p < 0.01). Knowledge-based assessments improved significantly in graft layers, total body surface area (TBSA), and viability assessment (p < 0.01). Participants rated the workshop's effectiveness score at 4.6 ± 0.7 and recommendation likelihood at 4.3 ± 0.5.

The model significantly improves knowledge, confidence, and technical skills in burns management and grafting.