Utilisation of Simulators in Veterinary Training

Delivering training for practical and clinical skills is becoming increasingly challenging for both the veterinary and medical professions. Simulators provide a potential solution to some of the training issues and are extensively used in medical clinical skills laboratories. The simulators available range from relatively simple physical models to highly sophisticated computer-enhanced training environments. Veterinary schools are also developing skills laboratories, which are equipped with some of the more generic medical models as well as an increasing number developed specifically for the veterinary market. There are a range of physical models, whole animal or body-part, and a small number of computer-enhanced simulations that include haptic (touch) feedback for teaching certain palpation-based examinations.