Dummy model for training of rectal purse string sutures in small animals

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
  • skillslab training
  • dummy
  • rectal purse string
Scientific area keywords
  • Veterinary education
  • clinical training
Method description

In the skillslab, dummy models and simulators are used for teaching various clinical skills. A rectal purse string suture is a commonly performed small surgical procedure in veterinary practice. An important part of this training process can be performed on a simulator in the skillslab.

Lab equipment

Using a very simple technique, just using a pink disposable cleaning cloth and a stapler.

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
  • - Clinical training on live animals as well.
  • - Creating and repairing the home-made models is time consuming for a large group of students. This model, however is very easy to make.
Modifications

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

Future & Other applications

Training for lab animal surgical procedures.

References, associated documents and other information

References

The model was presented at the 10th Show & Tell event of the clinical skills and simulation forum (see instructions attached).

Associated documents
Rectal-Purse-String-Model-Valentine-Martle.pdf

Contact person

Annelies Decloedt

Organisations

Ghent University (UGent)
Veterinary skillslab
Belgium