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Impact of induction of anaesthesia simulation training on veterinary students' perceived preparedness and confidence in anaesthesia

Introduction

Anaesthesia is a critical aspect of veterinary medicine, requiring precision, knowledge, and confidence to ensure patient safety. For veterinary students, mastering anaesthesia induction can be challenging due to the high-risk nature of real-life practice. Simulation training has emerged as an effective tool to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and hands-on clinical experience. But how does it impact students’ perceived preparedness and confidence? Let’s explore.

                                                                 


Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice

Traditional veterinary education involves classroom lectures and supervised clinical exposure. However, students often feel unprepared when transitioning to real-world anaesthetic procedures. Simulation training allows students to practice in a controlled environment, reducing the stress and anxiety associated with real-life situations. By engaging with simulation models or virtual reality setups, students can familiarize themselves with the step-by-step process of anaesthesia induction before handling live animals.

Boosting Confidence Through Hands-on Experience

Confidence is crucial for effective anaesthesia management. Simulation training provides repeated exposure to various anaesthetic scenarios, helping students refine their skills and decision-making abilities. By practicing in a risk-free setting, students gain confidence in:

  • Administering anaesthetic drugs correctly

  • Monitoring patient vitals effectively

  • Troubleshooting common anaesthetic complications

Repetition and familiarity build muscle memory, allowing students to perform procedures more efficiently and with greater assurance when they transition to clinical practice.

Enhancing Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills

Anaesthesia is dynamic, requiring quick thinking and adaptability. Simulation-based training often includes unexpected complications, challenging students to think critically and make real-time decisions. Whether dealing with hypotension, hypoxia, or adverse drug reactions, students learn to anticipate problems and respond appropriately, reinforcing their clinical judgment.

Reducing Anxiety and Improving Readiness

Many students experience anxiety when first performing anaesthetic procedures on live animals. Simulation training helps alleviate this stress by providing a safe space to make mistakes and learn from them. As a result, students enter clinical settings with greater confidence and a sense of readiness, ultimately improving patient safety and overall learning outcomes.

The Future of Anaesthesia Training in Veterinary Education

With advancements in technology, simulation training is becoming an integral part of veterinary curricula. High-fidelity models, virtual reality, and interactive software programs continue to evolve, providing students with even more realistic and immersive learning experiences. As simulation-based training becomes more widespread, veterinary students will likely feel better prepared and more confident in managing anaesthesia in their future careers.

Final Thoughts

The induction of anaesthesia is a high-stakes procedure that demands competence and confidence. Simulation training has proven to be a valuable educational tool in veterinary medicine, allowing students to refine their skills, enhance critical thinking, and gain confidence before entering clinical practice. By incorporating simulation into veterinary education, we can better prepare future veterinarians for the complexities of anaesthesia management, ultimately improving patient care and safety.

30th Edition of International Research Conference on Science Health and Engineering | 28-29 March 2025 | San Francisco, United States

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