Evaluating Debridement Skill Acquisition Through Diverse Training Models: A Mixed-Methods Analysis

Introduction: This study evaluates the effectiveness of diverse tissue models in enhancing wound debridement skills among physical therapy students. By comparing student performance across these models, we explore how tactile and visual fidelity contribute to learning outcomes in the affective, psychomotor, and cognitive domains. Grounded in contemporary educational theories that emphasize experiential learning and simulation-based training, this pilot study aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for curriculum enhancements in physical therapy education, thus preparing students for real-world clinical scenarios. Methods: This study involved 48 physical therapy students performing three techniques—paring, cross-hatching, and forceps/scissors—on three tissue models: orange, eggplant, and ham hock. A two-way ANOVA was utilized to assess learning outcomes across affective, psychomotor, and cognitive domains. Subsequently, qualitative insights were gathered through structured discussions focusing on students' emotional responses, the realism of the training models, and their confidence in performing these skills on actual patients. These discussions aimed to evaluate how the experiences of each model influenced skill retention and preparedness for clinical practice. This mixed-methods approach examined how different educational tools can affect skills acquisition and students' psychological preparedness. Results: Quantitative analysis showed that the ham hock model significantly outperformed the orange and eggplant models in learning effectiveness (p