941 Building the Ideal Home Practice Models for Surgical Skill Development

Aim In surgical education, the development of proficient skills is paramount. We discuss the concept of crafting the ideal home practice models for surgical skill enhancement with a focus on low-cost, sustainable, and efficient methods to practice outside the operating room, supported by the literature, evaluation of courses, and anecdotal experience. Method Building on the literature, we examine specific organic models that can be easily sourced, such as bananas, baked potatoes, and poached eggs, and their unique advantages in surgical training. We explore the inherent characteristics of these models that align with the needs of surgical skill development. Results Organic models offer a cost-effective and sustainable solution for surgical practice at home, corroborated by previous research. They provide active feedback through tactile sensations, mimicking real tissue characteristics. The banana, with its immediate feedback and haptic qualities, excels in needle entry, rotation, and exit practice. Due to the change in colour from oxidation, trainees can clearly see the needle path and evaluate their performance. The baked potato allows for practice of various needle angles and discourages skimming of tissue. The friable poached egg provides fine skill refinement with real-time feedback by practicing lightness of touch and appropriate needle rotation to prevent tearing into the yolk subsequently causing a leak. Conclusions The ideal model necessitates affordability, minimal setup effort, sustainability, and effective real-time immediate feedback, supported by realism. As we explore innovative approaches to surgical education, these models emerge as valuable allies, enabling learners to refine their skills in a convenient and impactful manner.