Development of suturing task trainer using 3D printer and silicone molding for medical students training: A pilot study Available to Purchase

Suturing is a compulsory skill for general practitioners during their medical education. Limited opportunity to practice a basic suturing skill is an obstacle in Indonesian medical education; thus, the development of a novel suturing task trainer is needed. Such trainers can be produced using 3D printing and molding with various materials. This study aims to explore the production process, evaluate the prototype, and identify the production cost. Research and development were conducted. We studied fields related to design and product development starting from cost- effectivity, 3D modeling, 3D Printing, silicone molding, and silicone coloring. We produced a face suturing task trainer model with a cost of IDR 608.800 (around USD 42). We compared the prototype with chicken skin and muscle. There are no differences in puncture force between our prototype and chicken skin (Mann-Whitney, P=0.753). There are statistically significant differences in tear force (Independent T-Test, P<0.0001) and closing force (Independent T- Test, P=0.006) between groups. Our prototype is 1.83 N easier to tear (186.6 grams in different) and 0.049 N harder to close (4.9 grams in different). Further development with more durable silicone material is needed along with evaluation from the plastic and reconstructive surgeon and medical students as the end-user target.