Simulation-based rhomboid flap skills training during medical education: comparing low- and high-fidelity bench models

OBJECTIVE: To assess if the bench model fidelity interferes in the acquisition of rhomboid flap skills by medical students.

METHODS: Sixty novice medical students were randomly assigned to 5 practice conditions with instructor-directed Limberg rhomboid flap skills training: didactic materials (control group 1), low-fidelity rubberized line (group 2) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (group 3) bench models; high-fidelity chicken leg skin (group 4) or pig foot skin (group 5) bench models. Pretests and posttests were applied, and Global Rating Scale, effect size, and self-perceived confidence were used to evaluate all flap performances.

RESULTS: Medical students from groups 2 to 5 showed better flap performances based on the Global Rating Scale (all P < 0.05) and felt more confident to perform rhomboid flaps (all P < 0.05) compared to their peers from control group 1, regardless of bench model fidelity (all P > 0.05). The magnitude of the effect was considered large (>0.80) in all measurements.

CONCLUSION: There was acquisition of rhomboid flap skills regardless of bench model fidelity.