The SimSpay—Student Perceptions of a Low-Cost Build-It-Yourself Model for Novice Training of Surgical Skills in Canine Ovariohysterectomy

Abstract

Practical and ethical considerations have led to an increased use of artificial substitutes for live animals in veterinary surgical skills training. However, commercially produced models are expensive and homemade models often require full-time staff to produce enough models for training large groups of students. In the Department of Veterinary Clinical and Animal Sciences of the University of Copenhagen, a low-cost build-it-yourself model, the SimSpay, was developed for novice training of surgical skills in canine ovariohysterectomy. The model did not require the use of trained technical staff or costly, hard-to-source supplies. The SimSpay was developed and implemented in the clinical veterinary curriculum in 2013. In 2014, 54 students participated in a questionnaire study to investigate their perception of the usefulness of the SimSpay as a learning tool. On a five-point Likert-type scale, students were asked to rate their perceived levels of competence, confidence, and anatomic knowledge before and after SimSpay training. Results demonstrate a strongly significant (p<.0001) increase in all three areas after training on the SimSpay. By increasing students' perceived levels of competence, confidence, and anatomic knowledge, the low-fidelity SimSpay is a useful, low-cost learning tool for teaching ovariohysterectomy.

Efficacy of Teaching the Gambee Suture Pattern Using Simulated Small Intestine versus Cadaveric Small Intestine

“…Even so, additional research is warranted to explore whether or not respect for tissue varies between simulator and cadaver tissue. Our findings support the use of simulated tissue for teaching the suturing techniques required for intestinal anastomosis and are consistent with a growing body of evidence supporting the use of simulators in veterinary medical education …”

“…Exposure to repeated opportunities to practice some skills is ideal, but sacrificing large numbers of animals for training may be undesirable due to cost and ethical considerations at an institutional and personal level. Recently, the use of both low‐ and high‐fidelity simulators has become more prevalent in veterinary curricula . Admittedly, there is some resistance to the use of simulators for more advanced surgical skills .…”

“…Our findings support the use of simulated tissue for teaching the suturing techniques required for intestinal anastomosis and are consistent with a growing body of evidence supporting the use of simulators in veterinary medical education. 2,3,8,[20][21][22] Providing adequate exposure to experiences for veterinary students to gain proficiency in certain surgical skills can be challenging. Exposure to repeated opportunities to practice some skills is ideal, but sacrificing large numbers of animals for training may be undesirable due to cost and ethical considerations at an institutional and personal level.…”

“…Recently, the use of both low-and high-fidelity simulators has become more prevalent in veterinary curricula. 2,3,20,21 Admittedly, there is some resistance to the use of simulators for more advanced surgical skills. 23 However, it is becoming increasingly clear that teaching methods that do not use live animals or cadaver tissues can be as effective as those that do and may provide benefits to institutions and students.…”

“…Simulators used for training medical and veterinary students and residents can range from low‐fidelity to very high‐fidelity models . Cadaver tissues are commonly used in surgical education, but non‐biologic simulated tissues are used as well .…”