Animal dummy models and simulators for clinical training

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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

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.