Animal dummy models and simulators for clinical training

Scope of the method

The Method relates to
  • Animal health
The Method is situated in
  • Education and training
Type of method
  • Other

Description

Method keywords
  • clinical training
  • veterinary medicine
  • dummy
  • simulator
  • animal model
Scientific area keywords
  • veterinary medicine
  • education
  • training
  • clinical training
Method description

In the skillslab, dummy models and simulators are used for teaching various clinical skills such as sutures, injections, … The veterinarians in training start with practising basic skills such as handling animals, and progress over the years to perform more complex procedures on simulators such as intubation or neutering. The skillslab is part of the course ‘Clinical and communicative skills' that is new in the curriculum since the academic year 2016-2017.

Lab equipment
  • Commercial high fidelity models ;
  • Home-made low fidelity models.
Method status
  • History of use
  • Internally validated

Pros, cons & Future potential

Advantages

The use of educational animal models in a skillslab offers a number of significant advantages:

  • → Reduced use of laboratory animals and reduced discomfort for patients, as procedures can be practised on dummy models and simulators before performing them on a live animal.
  • → Teaching of clinical skills in a quiet and safe environment, reducing anxiety and stress for the veterinary student.
  • → Complex practical skills can be split into a number of small steps when practising them in the skillslab.
Challenges

High cost of models, clinical training on live animals needed as well.

Modifications

Virtual/augmented reality can be added.

Future & Other applications

Training for lab animal handling/procedures.

References, associated documents and other information

Links
Skillslab
Skillslab donation page

Contact person

Annelies Decloedt

Organisations

Ghent University (UGent)
Veterinary skillslab
Belgium