Can 3D-Printed Silicone Models Enhance Dermatological Education?

🔍 Key Finding Dermatologists rated silicone models of primary skin lesions as innovative and useful teaching tools, especially during times of limited patient access. They recommended incorporating these models into the regular curriculum as a supplement to traditional teaching methods, even after the pandemic.

🔬 Methodology Overview

• Objective: To assess the educational value of 3D-printed silicone models of primary skin lesions.
• Model Creation: Negative molds of primary skin lesions (macule, plaque, wheal, papule, nodule, pustule, vesicle) were 3D-printed using PLA filament. Silicone rubber was poured into the molds, allowed to polymerize, and then adhered to overhead transparencies.
• Survey Development: An online survey (in German) was created to gather dermatologists’ feedback on the models’ quality, realism, and potential use in education. The survey included Likert-scale questions and open-ended feedback sections.
• Study Population: 58 dermatologists from the Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) in Munich, Germany participated. The group included residents, attending physicians, and advanced attending physicians with varying levels of experience.
• Data Analysis: Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation) were used to analyze quantitative data. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare groups (e.g., experience with moulages). Open-ended feedback was analyzed qualitatively.

📊 Results

• Positive perception of realism and quality: 62.5% of dermatologists strongly agreed that the silicone models were realistic in terms of sensory and haptic perception, and 65.5% strongly agreed on their good quality of elaboration.
• Suitable size and format: 76.4% strongly agreed that the models were sufficient in size, and 80% strongly agreed that they were handy.
• Innovative and beneficial for learning: 69.1% strongly agreed that the models were innovative teaching tools, and 74.5% strongly agreed that they would facilitate student learning.
• Support beyond the pandemic: 67.3% strongly agreed that the models would be a good supplement to in-patient teaching even after the pandemic.
• Preference over traditional models: 65.5% strongly agreed that silicone models were advantageous over traditional wax-based models.
• Suggestions for expansion: 61.8% strongly agreed that the models should be expanded to include secondary lesions and other clinical pictures.
• Overall positive rating: 72.7% rated the general idea of teaching with silicone moulages as “very good.”

💡 Clinical Impact Silicone 3D models of primary skin lesions are a promising supplement to traditional dermatology education, especially in times of limited patient access, and may be a valuable addition to the regular curriculum. These affordable and easily modifiable models can enhance learning of primary lesion characteristics for students with limited clinical experience.

🤔 Limitations

• 3D models cannot fully encapsulate the visual and sensory representation of primary lesions.
• 3D models are not able to replace the clinical picture.
• Restricted ability to replicate the clinical picture in complete detail.
• Model is an auxiliary teaching tool rather than a replacement for in-patient training.
• Color, size, and haptic characteristics may require modification for improved resemblance to actual clinical cases.

✨ What It Means For You This study suggests that 3D-printed silicone models of skin lesions are a valuable supplement to traditional dermatology education, particularly in situations with limited patient access. These affordable and easily modifiable models received positive feedback from dermatologists, who recommended their incorporation into the curriculum to enhance learning of primary lesion characteristics.

Reference Frommherz L, Hering P, Stadler PC, Clanner-Engelshofen BM, Reinholz M. Silicone Models for Dermatological Education: Assessment of a New Teaching Tool by Dermatologists. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2023;13(1):e2023049. https://doi.org/10.5826/dpc.1301a49