Veterinary training requires that a student master certain techniques that require fine motor control – a skill that can only be obtained through repeated practice. A major issue during veterinary training is simulating the tactile sensation of live patients – skin, muscle, fat, and bone all offer varying resistance to applied pressure, laceration, or puncture. Educational models have to be able to accurately replicate the physical properties of different tissues. Current models succeed in that regard, but are not robust enough to be used through multiple lessons. There is therefore a need for an accurate veterinary model that can withstand prolonged use by multiple individuals, while maintaining its structure.
Description of Technology
Michigan State University faculty have developed a collection of tools that act as simulacrums of living tissue that allow for repeated practice of veterinary technique. This tool suite includes:
· Layered skin suture pad – simulates animal epidermis for students to practice suturing technique
· Intramuscular and subcutaneous injection training pads – allow students to practice syringe work and perceive the difference between types of injections
· Bladder palpation (i.e. cystocentesis) training block – provides students with a bladder facsimile to examine and practice extracting urine
· Bovine tail venipuncture model – simulates a cow’s tail and allows students to practice blood collection from the tail vein
These models can serve as excellent transitioning tools for students who are not yet proficient enough to practice on expensive and cumbersome cadaver or live specimens. Additionally, because of the accuracy and reusability of these models, the need for expensive cadaver specimens is significantly reduced.
Benefits
Realistic: Models are accurate enough for students who may not be ready to practice procedure on live specimens
Cost effective: Models are robust enough to be used repeatedly before breaking down, and allow students to practice without involving cadaver or live specimens
Convenient: Models provide students with a means by which to practice outside of a laboratory setting
Effective: Training can be completed outside of the lab, meaning skill mastery is more readily attained
Broad applicability: Tools may be appropriate for any medical field – animal or human
Applications
Veterinary and veterinary technician medical training tools
Patent Status:
pending*
