Simulation-Based Medical Education In Veterinary Medicine - Swot Analysis Of A Clinical Skills Lab

In February 2013, the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (TiHo) opened a veterinary Clinical Skills Lab (CSL) after careful analysis of the needs of the students. The present study is based on this original analysis. By use of a SWOT analysis we examined the status quo to evaluate whether the desired effects of the CSL had occurred. At the same time, we were looking for ways to optimize the CSL and for findings that might help other universities in establishing a learning center. Data were collected by conducting focus group interviews with students and teachers of the university.Participants evaluated the CSL consistently very positive and generally approved simulation-based learning in veterinary education. Among the most important strengths were teaching of practical skills and the establishment of the CSL as an area free of fear with the possibility to learn from mistakes. The main weaknesses were a lack of information regarding the contents and organization of the CSL as well as the poor compatibility with the student's timetable.The most urgent adjustments seem to concern information policy. In addition, a stronger cooperation with other departments, as well as a further integration into the curriculum, seem to be inevitable. The findings of this study should be taken into consideration for designing CSL in veterinary medicine to maximize the benefits of training.