Back to 2024 Abstracts
Evaluating the Efficacy of a Smartphone-Assisted Home-Based Microsurgery Training Workbook
Anya Wang
*1, Nicole Gladstein
2, Arjun Nanda
3, Olachi Oleru
1, Nargiz Seyidova
1, Peter W. Henderson
11Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY; 2SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, New York, NY; 3University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Oklahoma City, OK
Background:Microsurgery training, limited by scarce equipment and trainee availability, may benefit from a drill-based workbook that utilizes smartphone magnification and video. This study evaluates a novel workbook's effectiveness in enhancing medical trainees' microsurgery skills using accessible technology.
Methods:Twenty-one medical students from two institutions were surveyed on their suturing skills, confidence, and microsurgery knowledge before performing a baseline task of 5 simple interrupted sutures using microsurgery tools, artificial skin, and 6-0 sutures. After viewing an instructional video, they completed four workbook skill domains—forceps handling, cutting, needle passing, and knot tying—under supervision at 4x magnification, achieved by aligning a smartphone with a printed standardization bar on an elevated platform. Students then repeated the suturing task, with both attempts recorded and blindly graded from 0 to 22 points using a standard rubric. The study concluded with a survey to assess changes in confidence and knowledge. Data analysis compared survey responses and task scores before and after the drills.
Results:After completing the workbook, participant grades improved from an average of 13.92 to 18.23. Improvement was noted in nine of eleven skill categories, particularly in maintaining needle perpendicularity and executing fluid knot-tying movements. From the survey, 17 out of 21 students reported a better understanding of the instruments' functions and applications post-drills, compared to 7 initially. Comfort with completing the suturing task rose from 4 to 18 students, and 14 students felt confident completing the final task independently, a significant rise from 3. Finally, 81% endorsed the workbook for enhancing microsurgery skills and interest.
Conclusion:This smartphone-assisted microsurgery workbook offers a cost-effective, flexible way to practice microsurgery at one's own pace. Early results reveal skill improvements among participants, and their feedback encourages further development of this innovative training modality.
Figure 1. The grading rubric used for the pre- and post-workbook suturing tasks
Back to 2024 Abstracts
