Suture and Staple Care Introduction Module

Introduction #

Welcome to the suturing and stapling module! Here you will learn how to create your own completely customizable suturing and stapling pads, including ones with variable complexity and depths, and ones that can be attached to a manikin or standardized patient. In the section there will be:

• A clear list of materials needed to build the task trainer,
• Step-by-step instructions on creation of the task trainer, 
• Pictures demonstrating key steps for creation and use, 
• A video with audio descriptions of creating the task trainer, and
• A cost breakdown for the task trainer, including material sourcing information. 

Once you have created your task trainer:

• The ‘Skills Station Set-up Guide’ will identify what supplies you should lay out and how you should set-up your task trainer to promote learner success. 
• The ‘Teaching / Feedback’ section will provide key frameworks for how to teach this skill and provide constructive feedback to participants based on their level of competency. 
• The ‘Evaluation and Resources’ section will list and link to find peer-reviewed and evidence-based checklists to evaluate on the skill of suture and staple care. 

Skill Station Set-up Guide #

Suture Set-up Supplies
Suture care task trainer Cover table with disposable drape Sterile saline container Sutures Sharps container Sterile gloves Procedure tray covered with (huck) towel Disposable scalpel (#10) 10cc syringe 18G and 25G needles Scissors Toothed forceps Needle driver (small) Metal cup Gauze Tape or dressing strip Waterproof bag Optional: Antiseptic ointment Optional: Cleansing spray

Staple Set-up Supplies

Staple care task trainer Sterile and non-sterile gloves Sterile 4 x 4 inch gauze, tubular gauze bandage, and tape for dressing Sterile drapes or disposable blue pad Procedure tray with (huck) towel Irrigation solution (eg, sterile normal saline) 30 to 60 mL syringe with 18 to 19 gauge IV catheter or irrigation device with splash shield Surgical stapler Toothed forceps Sim Antibiotic ointment Sim local anaesthesia (as applicable) Sim antiseptic cleaner (as applicable) Staple remover Waterproof bag

Teaching / Feedback #

Pendleton (1984) Method for Feedback (Burgess et al., 2020) #

N.O.D.O.F.F tool for Technical Skills Retention (Ibrahim, 2017)  #

• Needs Assessment
• Objectives
• Demonstrate
• Observe
• Feedback in Action
• Feedback after Action

Evaluation – Best Practice Resources #

(Disclaimer: does not override institutional or regulatory guidelines about scope of practice, proper steps, or equipment used). 

• Streitz, M. (2022). How to Repair a Laceration with Stapling. Merck Manuals. https://www.merckmanuals.com/en-ca/professional/injuries-poisoning/how-to-care-for-wounds-and-lacerations/how-to-repair-a-laceration-with-stapling __
• Streitz, M. (2022). How to Repair a Laceration with Simple Interrupted Sutures. Merck Manuals. https://www.merckmanuals.com/en-ca/professional/injuries-poisoning/how-to-care-for-wounds-and-lacerations/how-to-repair-a-laceration-with-simple-interrupted-sutures#v52124688 __
• Lipsett, S. (2021). Closure of Minor Skin Wounds with Staples. UptoDate. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/closure-of-minor-skin-wounds-with-staples __
• deLemos, D. (2022). Skin Laceration Repair with Suture. UptoDate. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/skin-laceration-repair-with-sutures?topicRef=6320&source=see_link __
• NSWOC wound care guide. https://www.nswoc.ca/_files/ugd/9d080f_977c08bf54a740ad997e25a07e615b5a.pdf 

References #

Burgess, A., van Diggele, C., Roberts, C., & Mellis, C. (2020). Tips for teaching procedural skills. BMC Medical Education, 20, 1-6.

Ibrahim, M. (2017). The use of a novel teaching rubic improves technical skill acquisition and retention. McGill University. https://escholarship.mcgill.ca/downloads/c534fr44f.