Evaluation of an Equine Nasogastric Intubation Model for Training Veterinary Students.

This research unveils an affordable equine nasogastric intubation model created at the University of Surrey that facilitates veterinary students to practice feeding tube insertion and reflux checking. The test involving both students and veterinarians established an increase in students’ confidence and supported the use of the model as an effective teaching aid.

Objective of the Research

• The primary objective of the research was to devise an efficient, low-cost training model which simulates the procedure of nasogastric intubation in horses. This model aims to impart practical training to veterinary students, bolstering their confidence and skill before their clinical rotations.

Creation of the Model

• The model was developed at the University of Surrey. It was designed to closely replicate a live horse in terms of anatomical accuracy, thus envisioning realistic training for veterinary students.
• The model allows students to practice passing a tube through the nose into the stomach and to check for reflux, which would typically be part of diagnosing digestive disorders in equine patients.

Evaluation of the Model

• A comprehensive evaluation was conducted on the model involving 32 equine veterinarians and 83 fourth-year veterinary students.
• The feedback received from experienced veterinarians was analyzed for the model’s realism and feasibility as a teaching aid. They found the model to be realistic and supported its use in training veterinary students.
• The fourth-year veterinary students’ confidence was measured before and after they practiced on the model, against nine distinct aspects of nasogastric intubation. All students exhibited significant improvement in their confidence levels after practicing on the model.

Findings and Implications

• The result of the research indicates a positive inclination towards the model from both the students and clinicians, highlighting its educational value.
• Further, it substantiates that the model can serve as a suitable and robust teaching aid in clinical skills instruction, fostering student confidence.
• Also, being an affordable solution, it enables repeated practice without causing harm to live animals, thus promoting animal welfare in veterinary education.