A Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Training Module Using Surgical Simulation for Capacity Building

Objective: To introduce 3 novel intensive facial plastic and reconstructive surgery teaching modules for surgical capacity building using simulation in a low-middle income country. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: University-based medical center in Quito, Ecuador. Participants: First- and second-year otolaryngology residents in Quito, Ecuador. Results: Residents participated in an intensive 3-day teaching program focused on microtia, nasoseptal abnormalities, and facial paralysis that included didactic lectures, simulation workshops, and live surgery. Residents underwent rigorous pre- and postmodule testing including written, oral, and practical examinations in each subject area. All participants completed anonymous feedback surveys with ratings on a Likert scale from 0 (very poor) to 10 (excellent). Nineteen residents completed both pre- and postmodule testing. The training module was successfully implemented and testing performance across all 3 subject areas significantly improved. Resident feedback was exceedingly positive, with average scores for each component ranging from 8.9 to 9.8, with highest scores given to the simulation workshops. The postmodule survey indicated that all residents found the course helpful and they desired additional courses covering more subject areas. Conclusions: Implementation of an intensive surgical training module combining didactics, surgical simulation, and live surgery resulted in the successful transfer of both skills and knowledge. While the long-term benefit of this program is yet to be determined, this model of training may prove to be a useful tool to help address surgical capacity building in the developing world.