Abstract
In recent years, the concepts of animal protection and welfare have become widely recognized in Japan, and further alternative approaches for animals will be required in veterinary nursing education programs. However, few reports have focused on products that address the need for alternative animal intravenous infusion models designed for student training programs, which are needed in order for veterinary nurses to acquire the necessary skills for use in the field. We investigated the necessity and usefulness of an alternative animal transfusion model for training of veterinary nursing students employing low-cost and easy-to-obtain materials. The results of a questionnaire survey we conducted indicated that the use of such models for veterinary nursing education is highly important. We were able to resolve the problem of leakage of infusion fluid from a simulated blood vessel that was noted with the former model, making it possible to repeat the exercise with our new model and thus to increase the concentration of student training. Although the model is not as real as using dogs, we think that that education using this alternative animal model simulation is very important for grasping the procedure and actual situation encountered in the field. This approach not only teaches the technique, but also improves the motivation of students, and helps to boost involvement with veterinary nursing.
