InstructiDerm™ creates skin lesion models for learning InstructiDerm™ creates skin lesion models for learning
We started with skin cancer out of clinical priority. We started with skin cancer out of clinical priority.
Basal Cell Carcinoma Model
Basal Cell Carcinoma model
on a human lip

Model source photo credit:
InstructiDerm™ Team

Bruise Model
Bruise model on human skin

Model source photo credit:
InstructiDerm™ Team

Melanoma Model
Melanoma model
on human skin

Model source photo credit:
InstructiDerm™ Team

Acral Melanoma Model
Acral Melanoma model on mannequin surface

Model source photo credit:
National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Melanoma Model
Melanoma Model
Melanoma model
on human skin

Model source photo credit:
Dr. Richard Usatine

Laceration Model
Laceration model
on human skin

Model source photo credit:
InstructiDerm™ Team

Benefits of the models Benefits of the models
  • Standardizes dermatology education
  • Fills clinical gaps for exposure to skin disease
  • Increases clinician confidence and competence
    to recognize and diagnose skin disease
  • Can replicate most skin lesions
  • Appear realistic and are easy-to-use
  • Can be used in a variety of settings
 
Instructional Dermatology Surface Models (IDSMs) Instructional Dermatology Surface Models (IDSMs)

IDSMs are innovative dermatology education tools that can authentically simulate most of the 3000 skin diseases. The models can be placed on various skin surfaces of a mannequin or human, regardless of texture, age, or skin color.  

The two-dimensional models are comprised of high-resolution digital photographs imprinted on a flexible, transparent plastic. The uniqueness and utility of IDSMs focus around the flexible plastic, visual and tactile characteristics, and specifically the use of a 3D printer to create the third dimension and lifelike appearance of the models. IDSMs can be depicted in two or three dimensions.  

Models
Comparison Set - Comparison of actual disease photos and models
BCC Photo
Citation: Dr. Richard Usatine
IDSM BCC Model
Melanoma Photo
Citation: NCI
IDSM Melanoma Model
SCC Photo
Citation: NCI
IDSM SCC Model
Instructional Dermatology Surface Model Examples
 
Demonstration Demonstration
Model Application

Step 1: After removing the selected 2D model from the sheet, place the 3D model on a clean, dry surface. Peel off the surface plastic of the 2D model.

Step 2: Holding the edge of the 2D model, align the 2D model with the 3D model and place paper side up.

Step 3: Moisten the paper surface with a damp cloth or sponge.

Step 4: After 10 seconds, or once the paper is completely moistened, carefully remove the paper backing and allow the model to dry.

Model Removal

Step 1: Grasp the model with the thumb and forefinger.

Step 2: Peel the model off the skin.

Step 3: With a moist sponge or cloth, remove any remaining adhesive.

Step 4: Remove the 2D model from the surface of the reusable 3D model.

 Video - Watch IDSMs be applied - Takes less than a minute!  Video - Watch IDSMs be applied - Takes less than a minute!
Video: Applying Model Instructions - Drs. Lisa Ousley and Retha Gentry



 
Models-in-Use
Simulation Image
Simulation
Skills Lab Image
Skills Lab
Classroom Image
Classroom
Community Outreach Image
Community Outreach

The models can be easily integrated into simulation, skills labs, classrooms, and community outreach. The skin cancer models were created first due to the millions of people affected by skin cancer. Education can be targeted to individuals who are most vulnerable to develop skin cancer (i.e., children, the elderly, immunocompromised persons, or those who live in high-risk geographic locations or have outdoor occupations). Notably, IDSMs can replicate most of the 3000 skin lesions. The educational impact is expansive!

 
Target Markets Target Markets
 
Universities and
Healthcare Schools
  • Colleges
  • Technical Schools
  • Allied Health
  • Theater and Art
Community

  • Public Health
  • Hospitals
  • Clinics
  • Police and Military
Non-Healthcare

  • Cosmetology Schools
  • Massage Therapy
  • Nail Technician
  • Entertainment Industry
 

Instructional Dermatology Surface Models can be used for education within universities and healthcare schools, communities, and non-healthcare settings. A key market is aimed at dermatology education for healthcare disciplines. However, the models can be easily integrated into multiple markets. These include, but are not limited to, public health and services (police and military), hospitals and clinics, and non-healthcare settings such as cosmetology schools, massage schools, and the entertainment industry.

InstructiDerm™ creates skin lesion models for learning
 
 
Educational and Clinical Research Educational and Clinical Research
2021 - 2022 IDSM Prototype Development: SANE Models

The InstructiDerm™ team, with the assistance of technical engineer David Zollinger and graphic designer Chelsea Bill, are creating Instructional Dermatology Surface Models for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) training. The 2D and 3D SANE models are adjunct dermatology tools that replicate sexual assault tissue trauma, lacerations, bruising, hematomas, and cigarette burns.


Instructional Dermatology Surface Models: A new paradigm in nursing dermatology education

Ousley, L., Gentry, R., & Short, C. (2021, Nov/Dec). "Instructional Dermatology Surface Models: A new paradigm in nursing dermatology education” Journal of Dermatology Nurses Association. JDNA - Journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Associaton


Testing Innovative Clinical Education Dermatology Models at the Frontline of Patient Care (during a pandemic) 2021

Initially slated for April 2020 the research study was delayed by the pandemic. In March 2021, under COVID-19 research restrictions, the study evaluated the usefulness of Instructional Dermatology Surface Models (IDSMs) as an educational dermatology tool. Study objectives included measuring self-efficacy/confidence and melanoma knowledge of undergraduate (UG) nursing students. Each group received the same melanoma content. The experimental groups had the opportunity to experience IDSMs in a group simulation and the non-experimental groups received traditional pedagogy.


Instructional Dermatology Surface Models: An Innovative Paradigm in Educating Advanced Practice Nursing Students (2019)

The purpose of this experimental 2-group pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Instructional Dermatology Surface Models as a tool in skin cancer education. Study objectives included measuring self-efficacy/confidence of melanoma knowledge of Advanced Practice Nursing students and comparing self-efficacy/confidence of melanoma knowledge between the students that have and have not had the opportunity to experience Instructional Dermatology Surface Models. The 6-week Self-efficacy and Knowledge scores were significantly higher than pre-scores and the 6-week Referral score was marginally significantly higher than pre-scores.


Face and Content Validity of New Dermatology Education Tools for use in Simulation (2018)

Instructional Dermatology Surface Models are novel dermatology tools created to promote effective learning and advance dermatology education. The purpose of this pre-research non-experimental project was to evaluate the face and content validity of IDSMs. An additional aim was to further develop the models. Initial face and content validity of the skin cancer models was positive.

 
 
Media Media

Sync.Space Video - Aim High

ANA Video - Innovate to
Generate Change

ANA Video - Skin of Color

Awards and Press Coverage Awards and Press Coverage

ETSU faculty members win national pitch competition
"JOHNSON CITY (June 24, 2019) – Competing against nurse innovators from throughout the country, three faculty members from East Tennessee State University’s College of Nursing won first place for their invention, Instructional Dermatology Surface Models (IDSMs), at the American Nurses Association’s (ANA) NursePitch™ contest, held earlier this year in Orlando. The ETSU team consisting of Drs. Retha Gentry, Lisa Ousley and Candice Short, all assistant professors in the ETSU College of Nursing, won $7,500 for their first-place idea at NursePitch™, which is ANA’s live, interactive version of the TV show 'Shark Tank'.”



NursePitch™ events fuel innovation in nursing




Pitching, innovating and motivating at ANA and ANCC conferences

"Many nurses attending the ANA and ANCC conferences started their day on April 26 with a pitch – actually five pitches – from nurse innovators competing for monetary prizes at ANA’s live, interactive version of the TV show, 'Shark Tank'."

"Each contestant had five minutes to present their innovative product to four expert judges and answer questions about their product, such as what problem it solves, its cost to produce, target market, and specific details on how it would work."

And the NursePitch™ winners are...
"1st place award and $7,500 – Lisa Ousley, DNP, RN, FNP, of INSTRUCTIDERM™, LLC, for her team’s product, which creates two and three-dimensional models of skin lesions. These realistic-looking “lesions” can be placed on humans and mannequins to help educate clinicians detect skin diseases, such as melanoma."



Testimonials Testimonials

"These realistic-looking 'lesions' can be placed on humans and mannequins to help educate clinicians detect skin diseases, such as melanoma."

American Nurses Association

"When will these models be available? How can I invest in Instructional Dermatology Surface Models?"

Dr. Danica Ninkovic DNP, FNP-BC,
AGA CNP-BC, MSN, CEN, CCRN, RN

"This would be very valuable in education of all non-dermatology providers including MD's, FNP's and PA's."

Dr. Julius Gasso MD
 
InstructiDerm™ Team InstructiDerm™ Team
Card image cap
Drs. Retha Gentry, Lisa Ousley, & Candice Short
  • DNP, FNP-C, RN
Dr. Retha Gentry
  • DNP, FNP-C, RN
Dr. Lisa Ousley
  • DNP, FNP-C, RN
Dr. Candice Short
  • DNP, FNP-C, RN

The idea for Instructional Dermatology Surface Models (IDSMs) was conceived after a tour in a simulation lab. During the tour, the lack of available dermatology education tools became apparent. The initial idea was to manipulate a high-resolution photograph of a melanoma and print it on transparent, flexible plastic.

The team took the first surface model to the simulation lab and positioned it on the arm of a mannequin and on a human forearm. The original prototype was realistic and convincing. It appeared that the mannequin and the human model had a melanoma lesion.

The InstructiDerm™ team is composed of Drs. Ousley, Gentry, and Short. The three partners are Doctors of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioners, and Associate Professors. Dr. Ousley teaches at the University of North Georgia, Department of Nursing and Dr. Gentry and Dr. Short teach at East Tennessee State University College of Nursing.



 
© InstructiDerm, LLC. 2019 - 2024