Using simulation models to teach surgical skills in developing countries

Abstract

In many developing countries the opportunity for learning or practicing surgical skills is limited. Simulation provides the opportunity for both veterinary students and veterinarians to learn and practice the required skills such as suturing, knot tying, instrument handling and tissue manipulation. A surgical skill curriculum has been developed around the use of suture models that provide texture, blood vessels that require hemostasis and tissues that mimic the holding strength of skin. To highlight the use of simulation models to teach surgical skills, a specially designed curriculum was conducted for the veterinarians of the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project. To be able to coordinate a surgical skills curriculum in developing countries it was important to have a contact person on site, conduct a needs assessment to identify the surgical skill expertise of the veterinarians and to tailor the content to those specific needs. Realistic models that provide the opportunity for practicing the skills while in the course and continued practicing at home, optimized learning. Assessments using a skills checklist and immediate feedback was crucial for the participants learning of the skills. An exit interview provided the information that participation in the program improved both the cognitive and technical surgical skill proficiency of the participants. Success of the program included targeting the content to the needs of the participants, the ability for repetition of the surgical skills, hands on practice and the opportunity to take the surgical skills model home. It was therefore concluded that simulation models can be used to teach surgical skills in developing countries.