MedEd Deep Dive

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of moulage—the art of creating realistic wounds and injuries—for medical training. But here's the twist: we’re diving into low-cost alternatives for moulage, a method that can sometimes be expensive and time-consuming. We break down how affordable, DIY moulage materials can offer realistic, immersive learning experiences for medical students, and how they are being used in resource-constrained settings. We discuss the benefits, limitations, and innovative approaches to keeping medical education both engaging and budget-friendly. From tissue paper burns to 2D wound tattoos, join us as we explore how creativity is reshaping medical training.

Link to the publication: https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202109.0150/v1

What is MedEd Deep Dive?

MedEd DeepDive: Where Innovation Meets Education

Whether you're a student navigating the complexities of medical school, an educator striving to improve learning outcomes, a researcher pushing the boundaries of knowledge, or a policymaker shaping the future of medical education—this podcast is for you.

In Season 1 of MedEd DeepDive, we explore the cutting-edge innovations transforming how we teach and learn. From the use of AI and chatbots to combat vaccine misinformation to the game-changing potential of virtual simulations and the metaverse in medical training, our episodes dive into the latest research and real-world applications. We'll also discuss innovative tools like serious games, escape rooms, and virtual patients that make learning more immersive and effective.

Join us as we examine the technological advancements and essential human elements of healthcare education, highlighting how strategies like interprofessional education, team-based learning, and even traditional methods like moulage can create a more holistic and impactful approach.

Subscribe now to stay ahead of the curve and participate in the conversation shaping the future of healthcare education.

Yassin:

Okay. So have you ever, like, imagined stepping into one of those flight simulators for the first time? Oh, yeah. You've got the controls. You kinda know the theory, but then suddenly it feels real.

Zaynab:

Right.

Yassin:

That's the thing about simulation.

Zaynab:

Total.

Yassin:

And and it's not just for pilots.

Zaynab:

Yeah. No.

Yassin:

No. Today, we're diving into the world of moulage. Okay. The art of creating those, like, ultra realistic medical scenarios.

Zaynab:

Yeah. You know,

Yassin:

those fake wounds and injuries that just look way too convincing.

Zaynab:

I've seen some, like, really good ones.

Yassin:

You've been doing some digging.

Zaynab:

Yeah. Some really interesting research on how to do this, get this, on a budget.

Yassin:

No way.

Zaynab:

I know. Right? We've got it all.

Yassin:

Really?

Zaynab:

Yeah. Academic studies, practical guides, even testimonials from students.

Yassin:

Wow. I am so ready to, like, get my hands a little No. Maybe not messy, but definitely intrigued.

Zaynab:

Definitely intriguing.

Yassin:

And to help us break all this down, we've got an expert, someone who can connect the dots

Zaynab:

Oh, stop it,

Yassin:

you. Between, like, medical simulation, the best educational practices, maybe even a little bit of theatrical know how.

Zaynab:

Well, I do love a good costume drama. So

Yassin:

Okay. Before we get into, like, DIY blood and guts, let's start with the basics. What exactly IS Melange?

Zaynab:

So think of it like special effects, but with that medical twist.

Yassin:

Okay.

Zaynab:

Yeah. It's all about creating these super realistic simulations of injuries and medical conditions Mhmm. Really to give, like, medical students that essential hands on experience.

Yassin:

Right. And it's not just about slapping on some fake blood. We're talking, like, replicating everything.

Zaynab:

Oh, yeah. From cuts and burns to some seriously intense stuff. Yeah. Yeah. And it's not exactly a new fad either.

Zaynab:

You know? This goes way back, like, way back to 16th century Florence. Wow. Yeah. They were using melange for anatomy and dermatology showing that this blend of art and medicine

Yassin:

Mhmm. Has

Zaynab:

got a long history.

Yassin:

It's so interesting how it takes something that you might just, like, read about in a textbook and it makes it real.

Zaynab:

Yeah. I

Yassin:

mean, anyone can read about a second degree burn. Yeah. But seeing it, feeling a realistic simulation, that's that's gotta leave a mark.

Zaynab:

Absolutely. And that's where those moments come in. Remember you mentioned how much you love those?

Yassin:

I do. I do.

Zaynab:

Well, the Miller pyramid, it actually explains why simulations are so good at creating them. It shows how hands on learning, that kind you get with Millage Yeah. It helps that knowledge stick.

Yassin:

You know? Absolutely.

Zaynab:

Because you're not just reading about it, you're experiencing it.

Yassin:

Yeah. And we both know that melange can be pretty resource intensive.

Zaynab:

Oh, tell me about it.

Yassin:

It can get pricey. Yeah. Those fancy materials, the premade kits, they don't come cheap.

Zaynab:

They do not.

Yassin:

And for medical institutions, especially ones with, like, tighter budgets, that can be a huge roadblock.

Zaynab:

Abs a huge barrier.

Yassin:

That's what makes the research you found so exciting.

Zaynab:

I know. Right?

Yassin:

There are ways to create these immersive learning experiences

Zaynab:

Yeah.

Yassin:

Without breaking the bank.

Zaynab:

Without breaking the bank. Exactly. And it's not about sacrificing quality at all.

Yassin:

Right.

Zaynab:

It's about resourcefulness and ingenuity. Yeah. And those are skills that are pretty essential to medicine, wouldn't you say?

Yassin:

A 100%. Yeah. So you're ready to to dive into some surprisingly affordable medical magic?

Zaynab:

I'm so ready. Let's do it.

Yassin:

Let's get into, like, the nitty gritty.

Zaynab:

Okay.

Yassin:

I am dying to know. Jackals. What kind of everyday materials are we talking here? Give me the inside scoop.

Zaynab:

Okay. Get this. We're talking tissue paper

Yassin:

What?

Zaynab:

For burns. No way. Yeah. Basic makeup

Yassin:

Okay.

Zaynab:

For a whole range of injuries.

Yassin:

Oh, wow.

Zaynab:

It's like, you know that moment on a cooking show

Yassin:

Yeah.

Zaynab:

Where they whip up some gourmet meal with just, like, pantry staples?

Yassin:

Yeah. Yeah.

Zaynab:

It's that kinda magic. Right. But for for wounds

Yassin:

That's amazing. Right. And it's not even just about being, like, cost effective, although I love that. But one study mentioned that, like, with practice

Zaynab:

Yeah.

Yassin:

Using these DIY techniques, they could cut the prep time for these melange scenarios from 3 hours down to 30 minutes.

Zaynab:

That's incredible. Talk about a game changer.

Yassin:

What kind of impact do you think that has for educators medical educators?

Zaynab:

Oh, it's huge. I mean, first of all, just practically speaking, it frees up so much time and resources. Right? So that they can actually focus on what matters, which is teaching. Right.

Zaynab:

And particularly for institutions with, like, really limited budgets, this is huge.

Yassin:

Oh, yeah.

Zaynab:

It means they don't have to compromise. Right? They can still offer that same level of training, that hands on experience without, like, you know, breaking the bank.

Yassin:

Now you might be wondering, sure, it's affordable and it's quicker to make, but is it as effective?

Zaynab:

Right.

Yassin:

And you actually found research that answered that very question. Right?

Zaynab:

Yes. Absolutely.

Yassin:

Okay.

Zaynab:

There was this fascinating study

Yassin:

Okay.

Zaynab:

Done at the University of Johannesburg

Yassin:

Okay.

Zaynab:

Where they really put this low cost moulage to the test. But what I love is they didn't just look at the materials themselves. Oh, okay. They went straight to the source. Okay.

Zaynab:

The medical students, they wanted to know what's the experience like from urine.

Yassin:

Yeah. What do they think? Were they fooled by the tissue paper and the makeup magic?

Zaynab:

You're gonna love this. Okay. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive.

Yassin:

Wow.

Zaynab:

Students found it incredibly realistic.

Yassin:

Wow.

Zaynab:

And get this, some even preferred it

Yassin:

Really?

Zaynab:

To the more expensive alternative.

Yassin:

Hold on. They preferred it. Why? Why would that be?

Zaynab:

Well, you know, it comes down to some key concepts in simulation design.

Yassin:

Okay.

Zaynab:

Things like face validity.

Yassin:

Okay.

Zaynab:

Content validity. And before you roll your eyes, let me explain. No.

Yassin:

No. No. Please explain because I was gonna roll my eyes.

Zaynab:

Tucked. How chuckles? So face validity, in a nutshell, just means, does it look and feel like the real deal?

Yassin:

Gotcha. Yeah. Okay. So it passes the realistic test.

Zaynab:

Oh, right.

Yassin:

Even with the you know? Exactly. Even with simple materials. What about content validity?

Zaynab:

So that's all about whether the simulation actually reflects the medical scenario

Yassin:

Yep.

Zaynab:

Accurately. So students can really practice those skills they need

Yassin:

Right.

Zaynab:

In a realistic context.

Yassin:

Right.

Zaynab:

And, again, the students, they gave it a big thumbs up.

Yassin:

Wow.

Zaynab:

They felt like they were dealing with real life situations even though it was all, you know, cleverly crafted Yeah. With affordable materials.

Yassin:

It's like those optical illusions where, like, your brain is convinced something's real even when you know it can't be.

Zaynab:

Exactly. Exactly.

Yassin:

But in this case, that, like, illusion, it's a good thing because it means the students are getting the same quality learning experience but without that hefty price tag.

Zaynab:

Exactly.

Yassin:

And speaking of pushing boundaries, your research uncovered some really cool innovations

Zaynab:

Yes.

Yassin:

In the world of low cost melange that go way beyond just tissue paper and glue. Oh, yeah. Those 2 d tattoos, like, blew my mind a little.

Zaynab:

Alright.

Yassin:

It's like temporary tattoos but for, like, medical wounds. Mhmm. Talk about realistic. It's incredible. And then there's, like, the whole world of hybrid simulations

Zaynab:

Yeah.

Yassin:

Where you've got actors, like, playing the role of patients Right. With these super convincing melanges.

Zaynab:

It's amazing.

Yassin:

It's really blurring the lines between medical training and, like, a movie set. Totally. Almost expect to see, like, a director yell, cut. And that that's where things get really interesting. Right?

Yassin:

Yeah. Imagine a world where, like, virtual reality and augmented reality Mhmm. Are, like, seamlessly integrated with Moulage. Oh, wow. Students could be, like, treating these virtual patients

Zaynab:

Yeah.

Yassin:

Practicing complex procedures, but all within these, like, immersive digital environments Right. And all using this affordable, accessible technology.

Zaynab:

Oh, absolutely.

Yassin:

We're talking about a whole other level of realism here.

Zaynab:

Oh, yeah.

Yassin:

It's like stepping into a video game, but with, like, real world stakes.

Zaynab:

Mhmm.

Yassin:

Are you saying this is, like, within reach?

Zaynab:

It's closer than you think. I mean, the technology is it's already so advanced, and it's evolving rapidly.

Yassin:

Yeah.

Zaynab:

But even more exciting than the tech itself, I think, is the shift in mindset it represents.

Yassin:

True. You

Zaynab:

know, it's about embracing that creativity, problem solving, resourcefulness. Because at the end of the day, those are the qualities that make a great medical professional.

Yassin:

Boy.

Zaynab:

It's not just what you know, it's about being able to, like, adapt

Yassin:

Right. Right.

Zaynab:

And think on your feet.

Yassin:

Yeah.

Zaynab:

And this approach to Melange, it really encourages that.

Yassin:

Absolutely. It's like that saying, necessity is the mother of invention.

Zaynab:

Yes. Exactly.

Yassin:

And in this case, the need for affordable, accessible medical simulation, it's driving some seriously impressive innovation.

Zaynab:

It really is.

Yassin:

This deep dive has, like, really opened my eyes to the possibilities.

Zaynab:

It's pretty remarkable.

Yassin:

And we've only just scratched the surface.

Zaynab:

I know. Right?

Yassin:

There's so much more to explore in the world of low cosmological Yeah. And, like, the future of medical simulation in general.

Zaynab:

Absolutely.

Yassin:

Well, on that note, thank you so much for taking this deep dive with me.

Zaynab:

Oh, thank you for having me.

Yassin:

This was so eye opening.

Zaynab:

It was my pleasure.

Yassin:

And to all our listeners, like, keep that curiosity alive.

Zaynab:

Yes.

Yassin:

If you find any fascinating research on low cost melange

Zaynab:

Please.

Yassin:

Share it with us.

Zaynab:

We'd love to hear about it.

Yassin:

Until next time. Happy learning.