Development and validation of an equine nerve block simulator to supplement practical skills training in undergraduate veterinary students.

The research presents the development and testing of an equine nerve block simulator designed to enhance the practical skills of undergraduate veterinary students in diagnosing lameness in horses. The results demonstrated that the equine nerve block simulator is a valuable training tool that improves student proficiency and confidence in performing nerve blocks.

About the Research

• The main goal of the study was the creation and verification of an equine nerve block simulator. This was motivated by the fact that veterinary students have limited opportunities to practice this essential skill that is often employed in detecting lameness in horses.
• The hypothesis was that this simulator would not only improve students’ skills, but also boost their confidence in performing nerve blocks.

Design of the Equine Nerve Block Simulator

• The researchers built a simulator using an equine forelimb skeleton and building foam. Wire wool targets were strategically placed under the foam, corresponding to the locations of the most palmar digital, abaxial and low four-point nerve blocks. These targets were connected to an electrical circuit.
• When the operator correctly inserted a needle into the set target, the circuit would complete, triggering an audible buzzer for immediate feedback.

Validation of the Equine Nerve Block Simulator

• To verify the effectiveness of the simulator, it was compared to two prevalent teaching methods: training on cadavers and theoretical training using handouts.
• Students trained on cadavers had the best results with 73% correct blocks, closely followed by those trained using the simulator with 71% correct blocks. The group trained using only handouts had noticeably lower success rates, with 58% correct blocks.

Conclusion of the Study

• Based on the collected data and feedbacks, the students preferred the simulator training and felt more confident performing diagnostic nerve blocks than the students trained in other methods.
• The study concluded that the equine nerve block simulator offers a safe and cost-effective way to enhance the teaching of diagnostic analgesia to undergraduate veterinary students.