Dummy models for surgical training in the veterinary skillslab

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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

veterinary medicine
dummy
skillslab training
suturing techniques
aseptic surgical preparation

Scientific area keywords

Veterinary education
clinical training

Method description

In the skillslab, dummy models and simulators are used for teaching various clinical skills. The veterinarians in training need to learn how to perform basic and more complex suturing techniques and how to do an aseptic surgical preparation. A large part of this training proces can be performed on dummy models in the skillslab.

Lab equipment

° Home-made silicone suture pads (adapted from www.smooth-on.com)
° Home-made canine dummy for aseptic preparation of the surgical field
° Commercial suture pads (www.medistitch.eu)

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. Creating the suture pads is time consuming for a large group of students. No bleeding like in living animals.

Modifications

Further optimalisation of home-made models and purchasing available commercial models.

Future & Other applications

Training for lab animal surgical procedures.