Development and Validation of a Uterine Prolapse, Epidural, and Vaginal Suture Model

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Surgical Simulation
• Bovine Reproductive Health

Background:

• Uterine prolapse correction is a critical skill for bovine practitioners.
• Teaching uterine prolapse management to veterinary students is challenging due to the lack of live animal models.
• A realistic, reproducible model is needed for effective veterinary surgical training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a model simulating the steps for correcting bovine uterine prolapse.
• To compare the performance of veterinary students and experienced veterinarians using the model.
• To assess the model's utility and realism for surgical skills training.

Main Methods:

• A novel model for bovine uterine prolapse correction was designed and constructed.
• Twenty-seven veterinary students and 18 experienced bovine veterinarians participated in the study.
• Participants' performance was video-recorded while using the model, followed by surveys and rubric-based scoring.

Main Results:

• The model received favorable opinions regarding its realism and usability.
• No significant difference was found in overall performance scores between students and veterinarians.
• Veterinarians generally scored higher in global ratings, while students demonstrated satisfactory competency, except for the epidural procedure.

Conclusions:

• The developed model effectively simulates bovine uterine prolapse correction for training purposes.
• The model demonstrates comparable skill acquisition between novice and experienced practitioners.
• The model will be integrated into clinical skills labs to enhance student training in managing uterine prolapse.