SAFE PAEDIATRIC MALE CIRCUMCISION SIMULATOR FOR NON-SPECIALIST PROVIDERS IN LOW AND MIDDLE INCOME COUNTRIES adaobisom@yahoo.com

366-03

SAFE PAEDIATRIC MALE CIRCUMCISION SIMULATOR FOR NON-SPECIALIST PROVIDERS IN LOW AND MIDDLE INCOME COUNTRIES

4

Nigeria

Oral only

Paediatric male circumcision is widely performed in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), often by non-specialist physicians and non-physician providers due to limited access to specialist surgeons. This can lead to avoidable severe complications. We developed a low-cost, do-it-yourself simulator to enable providers to self-teach safe circumcision techniques

The simulator was built from inexpensive, locally available materials. Training included a theoretical knowledge module, a readiness quiz, and hands-on practice. Twelve learners (six non-specialist physicians, six non-physician providers) completed the training. Skills were assessed using peer- and self-assessment checklists. Pre- and post-training surveys, plus a focus group, evaluated the simulator’s impact.

All learners achieved 100% on the readiness quiz before simulator training and felt prepared for hands-on practice. Post-training, 91.7% rated the learning experience as good or excellent and found the simulator easy to set up and use. Most (83.3%) rated it effective or very effective in demonstrating the real-life procedure. Confidence improved markedly: all learners felt confident or very confident to perform paediatric circumcision afterward, including two with little or no prior confidence. Most (91.7%) rated the training modules and scenarios as adequate or very adequate. All agreed the self-assessment checklist was easy to use and helped track their skill acquisition progress.

The Safe Paediatric Male Circumcision simulator is a practical, low-cost training tool that improves provider competence and confidence, potentially reducing complications in LMICs. It may serve as a model for other essential surgical simulations in global health.