Research in Focus:

Therapeutic Mammoplasty Breast Training Model Needs Assessment

Authors: Natalie Johnson, Stella Mavroveli, Eleni Anastasiou, Daniel Leff

Year: 2021

Journal: European Journal of Surgical Oncology

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejso.2021.03.146

With increasing recognition of the role simulation plays in surgical education, this week’s “Research in Focus” explores a national needs assessment targeting breast surgery trainees. This research underlines the importance of structured simulation in enhancing confidence, particularly for those working outside high-volume reconstructive centres.

This study investigates training gaps in therapeutic mammoplasty and explores whether simulation-based training can address limited operative exposure and improve decision-making skills.

Key Takeaways

  • Limited Operative Exposure: Nearly one-third of trainees reported difficulty accessing therapeutic mammoplasty procedures in clinical practice, with almost half performing fewer than 10 per year.
  • Identified Learning Gaps: Trainees expressed the greatest need for training in pedicle selection (48%) and preoperative mark-up (27.6%), highlighting specific areas where simulation could provide focused educational benefit.
  • Demand for Simulation: A significant 76.7% of respondents indicated a clear willingness to train on a simulation model, reflecting strong support for integrating TM models into standard curricula.

Relevance to SiMPEDIA

This study provides a compelling case for the development and deployment of a therapeutic mammoplasty training simulator, reinforcing SiMPEDIA’s role in bridging clinical training gaps. By addressing known limitations in clinical training pathways, SiMPEDIA can provide an accessible, reproducible, and targeted learning platform for therapeutic mammoplasty, one that caters to the evolving needs of breast surgery trainees across the UK.

In direct response to this needs assessment, SiMPEDIA has since developed our high-fidelity oncoplastic simulator, Gaby, designed in collaboration with leading breast surgeons and aligned with real-world procedural demands.

As simulation becomes central to surgical competency frameworks, SiMPEDIA is uniquely positioned to lead the field with evidence-informed models that promote skill acquisition and standardised education.