Development and dissemination of a series of surgical skills and procedures video tutorials using a novel, low-cost, and sustainable simulation kit (GlobalSurgBox)

Abstract

Introduction

Surgical simulation and video-based learning are limited in lower-resource settings. We sought to develop and assess a series of surgical tutorials using a low-cost simulator.

Methods

We created 8 surgical skills and procedures videos using low-cost equipment. We assessed video quality using the DISCERN scale and the Global Quality Scale (GQS).

Results

Videos ranged from surgical techniques to complex procedures. We uploaded these to Youtube and included them in the curriculum of a medical school in Rwanda. Excluding the cost of the kit (25 USD), production costs ranged from 2 to 5 USD. All videos scored a mean DISCERN of 2.44 ​± ​1.05 and GQS of 3.06 ​± ​0.90. Generally, these lacked points on providing additional sources of information and addressing areas of uncertainty.

Conclusions

This study addresses the demand for accessible surgical education resources. Using low-cost, standardized materials ensures consistency, democratization of training, and feasibility.