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Step By Step: Microsurgical training method combining two nonliving animal models
Published on: May 9, 2015
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Living Matter(s) for Learning: An International, Multi-Sited Ethnography Exploring How Surgeons' Learning Is Mediated
Cara Swain1,2, Charlotte Silén3, Klas Karlgren1,4,5
1Department of LIME, Karolinska Institute, SE.
Perspectives on Medical Education
|April 28, 2025
Summary
Live animal surgical simulation offers dual learning experiences: as a training tool or a patient to save. Framing the animal as a patient enhances psychological fidelity and reflexive learning during complex procedures.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Training
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Live animal use in surgical simulation is common despite ethical concerns.
- Perception of high fidelity in animal models influences training value.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore how live animals mediate learning in trauma surgical simulation.
- To analyze the sociomaterial dynamics of animal-assisted surgical training.
Main Methods:
- International focused ethnography observing surgical simulation courses in six countries.
- Narrative analysis using instrument-mediated learning theory.
Main Results:
- Live animals function dually as training instruments and patients.
- Framing the animal as a patient increases psychological fidelity and reflexive learning.
- Critical moments like thoracotomy increase uncertainty, prompting a patient-centric view.
Conclusions:
- Live animal simulation learning is mediated by the animal's perceived role (instrument vs. patient).
- The risk of animal death enhances authenticity and self-awareness in trainees.
- Consistent framing of the animal as a patient could amplify learning authenticity.
