Innovating medical education: Development of an affordable, 3‐D printed knot‐tying simulator

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThree‐dimensional (3‐D) printing offers an innovative option to produce clinical simulators because of its low production costs and widespread availability. We aimed to develop a low‐cost, 3‐D printed knot‐tying simulator that overcomes the barriers students face in self‐directed skills development.ApproachMedical students completing a procedural residency preparation course (PRPC) completed a pre‐survey with Likert scales and multiple choice questions to assess their perceptions of and barriers to self‐directed knot‐tying practice. Subsequently, a 3‐D printed knot‐tying simulator, which contains a progression of knot‐tying challenges and a designated video curriculum, was designed. After utilising the simulator in a 1‐hour, faculty‐guided knot‐tying session, PRPC students assessed the educational utility and usability of the simulator via a post‐survey.EvaluationThe primary barriers students faced in engaging in self‐directed knot‐tying practice included limited accessibility to simulators and insufficient knowledge of knot‐tying techniques. Many students (91.3%, n = 21) agreed that practicing with the simulator improved their knot‐tying motor skills and was easy to use (100%, n = 23). Twenty‐two (95.7%) students agreed that they would continue to use the simulator beyond the knot‐tying session and PRPC.ImplicationsWe demonstrate the educational utility and usability of a novel 3‐D printed knot‐tying simulator for medical education. Enabling students to engage in self‐directed technical skills development is critical in developing surgical skills that can translate to clinical environments. Our simulator highlights the benefits of 3‐D printers as an innovative, inexpensive option to improve the availability and accessibility to medical education tools.