title: Patient Preferences Comparing Linear Versus Purse String Closures in Dermatologic Surgery Utilizing a Novel Simulator-Based Educational Tool.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Patients often query in regard to cosmetic outcomes after cutaneous surgery. This study provides information on this topic by surveying preference on 2 skin closure methods, purse and linear. The authors used a novel method to poll opinions by incorporating simulated skin within the context of the survey.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine patient's preference for linear or purse string closure. Additional outcomes were to survey patient's opinions regarding which scar characteristics have the highest cosmetic impact, the cosmetic importance of a scar, and the utility of simulators, and patient photographs as methods of understanding closure techniques.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were prospectively recruited to complete a survey. Data outcomes were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test of association.
  
  
  RESULTS
  About half of the participants (54.7%) preferred linear closure. Preference was independent of gender (p = .90) or having a prior linear or purse string closure (p = .17). Patient photographs were the most influential for determining preference according to 86.2% of participants; however, 88% of the participants found simulator devices useful for educational purposes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The methods in this survey may represent a venue for educating patients and incorporating their preferences into the choices they will make regarding dermatologic procedures, which they will undergo.
authors: *Dermatology Department, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland.
authors: Margaret C
authors: MC
authors: Green
authors: Nicholas F
authors: NF
authors: Logemann
authors: Francois O
authors: FO
authors: Tuamokumo
authors: Jason D
authors: JD
authors: Marquart
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D057240:Patient Preference; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013537:Sutures