gms | German Medical Science

Introduction: A worldwide shift has taken place in the pedagogy of medical education towards experiential (‘hands-on’) medical learning. To create such training opportunities, models or manikins simulating ‘almost real’ situations are widespread in schools of the health professions. Many different kinds of models or manikins help students practise their manual skills; however, these devices are expensive. After a while, they become worn and can even break or no longer be of use for specific requirements.

Method: To protect the environment, at the Bern Centre of Higher Education of Nursing (BZ Pflege) old worn-out models are taken apart to build new ones that can be used in teaching sessions. Old models are transformed into new models used for hybrid simulations. In order to create new unique hybrid models, it is necessary to precisely observe students’ requirements in the acquisition of new skills. In this demonstration, we show how the torso of a broken manikin is refashioned into a port-a-cath hybrid model.

Diskussion: While possibilities are limitless, a fair amount of imagination and creativity are needed to create new models from old and used ones.

Take home message: We are all responsible for our environment. In re-using broken models and manikins, the field of health education is doing its part. The presentation will be in German.