Development of a surgical skillslab otorhinolaryngology

Abstract

Background: Training in clinical and surgical skills is generally accepted as an important part of veterinary educational programmes. Later on these skills represent an important part of the work of veterinary practitioners, namely diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Nowadays it is known that clinical internships do not provide the ideal learning environment for students. Medical schools cannot rely on internships alone anymore, to provide adequate basic skills training. Surgical Skills laboratories provide a new environment for teaching these skills. The aim of this study is to produce different training models for practicing otorhinolaryngology procedures, to be used by veterinary students in their master programme. Implementation: To get inspiration there was a visit to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Copenhagen, Denmark. Here students can already learn and practice their skills with different handmade veterinary models. Different materials were applied, bought, investigated and tested for their usability. At the end there is made a decision of what materials to use based on costs, usability, resemblance with the tissue of a living animal and the ability to replace the material after being used. Results: Three models for the skills lab otorhinolaryngology are made. The first can be used for practicing tracheotomy and the placement of a temporary tracheostomy tube. With the second model students can practice the surgical treatment of an othematoma. The third model can be used for the placement of an esophagostomy feeding tube. For each model there are instructions and a list of materials to replace the used parts of the model. Because for each new student, practicing on a model, only a small part has to be replaced, there are no high costs per student for practicing. The multiple-use capability of the models increases the potential cost savings. Conclusions: It is possible to develop a surgical skills lab with adequate models which are easy to use, can be reproduced easily and are relatively cheap. Skills laboratory training prepares students for internships and also positively influences their learning during internships. They can practice skills independently and there is no infringement at the integrity of animals.