Dolls and balloons: creating a fetal facsimile

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Anatomy Teaching
• Simulation Models

Background:

• Traditional anatomy lectures can lack engaging visual and tactile elements.
• Effective teaching aids are crucial for student comprehension and retention.
• Developing low-cost, accessible simulation tools is a priority in medical education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the construction and utility of a novel fetal facsimile for anatomy education.
• To provide a simple, cost-effective method for creating a realistic fetal model.
• To highlight the benefits of using this tactile model in classroom settings.

Main Methods:

• A baby doll was placed inside a water-filled balloon to create a fetal model.
• The model was utilized as a visual and tactile aid during lectures.
• Instructions for construction and classroom application were documented.

Main Results:

• The water-filled balloon effectively simulated the amniotic environment.
• The fetal facsimile successfully engaged student attention and stimulated active learning.
• The model facilitated discussion, questioning, and practical skill development.

Conclusions:

• The baby doll fetal facsimile is an effective, inexpensive teaching tool for anatomy.
• This simulation enhances student engagement and understanding of fetal anatomy.
• The model offers a practical solution for improving medical education resources.