A Realistic Ingeniously Designed Cleft Palate Simulator for Training of Residents: Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice.

Objective: Cleft palate is a congenital deformity that presents significant challenges in surgical correction. Proper training with an educational model for can greatly enhance the learning curve and improve patient outcomes. This article discusses the development and evaluation of an economical cleft palate model designed to enhance surgical skills and confidence among residents.

Design: The model was constructed using dental casts, acrylic resin, foam sheets, double-sided adhesives, infant feeding tubes, and red dye.

Setting: Tertiary care center.

Participants: Surgical residents.

Main outcome measure: The assembly time and material costs were recorded. To evaluate its effectiveness, participants' feedbacks were collected and analyzed.

Results: The cleft palate model was produced at a cost of 250 INR per unit, with assembly taking approximately 15 minutes. Overall, 32 residents completed the simulation exercise of cleft surgery on the model. Participants gave the model an average score of 4 (±0.60) for realistic anatomical appearance, 3.5 (±1.3) for replicating the tactile nature of human tissue. Anatomical accuracy and ability to manipulate tissue and perform suturing received a rating of 3.4 (±1.1) and 3.7 (±0.81), respectively. The model's value as a training tool scored 4.4 (±0.51), with an overall satisfaction rating of 4.6 (±0.22) among residents.

Conclusion: Our cleft palate model offers an economical, practical, and accessible solution for surgical training. This model is a viable alternative to more complex and expensive training tools and potentially enhancing the training of healthcare professionals in cleft palate repair.