Sim-U-Skin

Impact

These high fidelity models of skin conditions, which have been incorporated into a innovative new teaching aid will enable a breakthrough in how Dermatology is taught. Unlike most traditional 2-D teaching tools, the detail in these models enables the learner to appreciate primary and secondary changes, configuration of the rash/lesion, colour and depth of colour, surface texture, relevance of site and ultimately, differential diagnosis. This is highly novel as no other teaching tools offer this level of fidelity in terms of visual and tactile features.

Unlike most traditional 2-D teaching tools, the detail in these high fidelity models enables the learner to appreciate primary and secondary changes, configuration of the rash/lesion, colour and depth of colour, surface texture, relevance of site and ultimately, differential diagnosis. This is highly novel as no other teaching tools offer this level of fidelity in terms of visual and tactile features.

The skin models are a highly novel teaching aid that will enable a breakthrough in how Dermatology is taught.

Challenge

An estimated 15-20% of GP consultations relate specifically to skin yet it is recognised internationally that GPs generally lack adequate training in Dermatology (Kownacki, 2014).

A key challenge is the fact that dermatology is a highly visual and tactile field. There is a limit to what learners can gain from textbooks and lectures, even with high quality photos. Teaching has traditionally relied on the learner seeing real patients. However it is not practical for trainees to attend clinics for extended periods in order to gain the exposure they need. 

The challenge with training ultimately leads to an over reliance in seeking an expert opinion from hospital Dermatology Departments, which in turn results in very lengthy waiting lists. 

Indeed the HSE National Clinical Programme for Dermatology (2022) identifies a pressing need to “build more skills and competencies in all stakeholders in the management of skin problems especially in primary and community care”.

Process

Dr Patsy Lenane, Consultant Dermatologist and Head of Department at the Mater Hospital has 17 years of medical teaching experience at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. In September 2020, Dr Lenane highlighted the challenge with Dermatology education to Mater Transformation. Through its long standing collaboration with NCAD, Mater Transformation connected Dr Lenane with the Medical Device Design team at NCAD. Together they tasked a team of Masters level designers with building high fidelity skin models of three commonly seen skin diseases – psoriasis, melanoma and eczema. The quality of the tools that the team created surpassed all expectations. 

These three models were subsequently validated by Dermatology Medical and Nursing staff in the Mater and Temple Street hospitals. Recognising the significant potential of these high fidelity teaching aids, Dr Lenane, supported by Mater Transformation, secured funding to continue the work.

Output

To date the team has developed:

• 3-D models of 25 common skin conditions along with moulds to enable reproduction of the models at scale and in a way that is financially viable.
• Each skin condition is housed in a booklet with explanatory text alongside, highlighting the key characterises, thus enabling diagnosis and guiding treatment. 
• An additional booklet containing models which demonstrate primary/secondary lesions and the Fitzpatrick scale of skin tones.

The team are now working with local GPs to look at how the models and book might be incorporated into an educational offering that meets their needs. Dr Lenane will also be testing the models and book set in undergraduate and postgraduate medical teaching programmes.