Skillslab
In the skillslab, dummy models and simulators are used for teaching various clinical skills such as sutures, injections, … The veterinarians in training start with practising basic skills such as handling animals, and progress over the years to perform more complex procedures on simulators such as intubation or neutering.
The skillslab is part of the course ‘Clinical and communicative skills' that is new in the curriculum since the academic year 2016-2017. This course is spread over 4 years of training (2nd bachelor to 2nd master year). Therefore, the skillslab is used by approximately 1000 students every year.
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.
For more information, please contact Prof. Dr. Annelies Decloedt.