Canine dummy models and simulators for training of basic clinical examination skills

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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
simulator
clinical examination
canine model

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 a basis clinical examination of a dog. Although training on living animals is indispensable, a part of the training proces can be performed on canine dummy models and simulators in the skillslab. A home-made low fidelity canine model is used to learn the position and palpation technique of peripheral lymph nodes. Furthermore auscultation of the heart can be trained on a commercial high-fidelity simulator and a commercial model is also used to assess the body condition score.

Lab equipment

° Home-made low fidelity models: canine dummy model to palpate the peripheral lymph nodes
° Commercial high-fidelity models: Goldie-K9-breath-hearth-sound-simulator (https://rescuecritters.com) and Royal Canin BCS palpation model

Method status

Still in development
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

Further optimalisation of home-made models and purchasing available commercial models. Virtual/augmented reality can be added.

Future & Other applications

Training for canine lab animal examination.