To better represent different patient types, the mannequins and suture pads used in medical training are diversified in skin tones and body types.Credit: Courtesy of Serena Smith
Medical students can now train as physicians using mannequins and suture pads that more closely resemble patients with different skin tones and body types.
Sheryl Pfeil, medical director of the Clinical Skills Education and Assessment Center, said the mannequins often used in medical simulations at Ohio State University represent only a single demographic. That’s why a wide variety of equipment prepares students to treat real-life patients of all sizes and skin tones. .
“One is to make sure the experiences we provide our students are authentic. is,” says Pfeil.
Jordan Haber, a second-year medical student, said he was aware of the disparity and took the issue into the administration to participate in obtaining various training equipment for students.
Haber says it’s important for medical students to have training equipment similar to theirs. He participated in manufacturing colored suture pads as an undergraduate at Michigan State University due to the lack of medical equipment similar to him as an Afro-Caribbean student.
“Not only did I see them in person, but I heard other groups use them, and they were able to tell me how wonderful it was to have the same experience that I did. was an incredible experience.
James Read, Associate Director of CSEAC, said his role in management has enabled him to work with manufacturers to provide students with new manikins in training that accurately represent diverse patient populations.
“Historically, manufacturers have produced devices that appear to be primarily white males, with one notable exception: female mannequins intended for simulating labor and delivery.” said Read. “In the last 20 years, there has been no real pressure for manufacturers to actually offer more.”
Reed said one of the medical school’s efforts to promote inclusivity is that new students will have the opportunity to use a variety of equipment on a regular basis.
“We want to make sure that it’s a selling point for the college and the students. Please consider the fact that you are serving your community, which includes yourself, your family and your friends,” Reid said.
Pfeil said the initiative also addresses hidden curricula (lessons learned and practiced) in healthcare, where goals are decoupled from what is actually done. .
“If we’re talking about all patient care, what we present is a very uniform set of mannequins, or even an arm where the IV is placed or a torso where the intubation is done. I’m saying there is,” Pfeil said.
Haber is optimistic that the inclusivity mannequins and collared suture pads will bring to medical training will soon become routine practice.
“I can only imagine how it felt to go to Ohio State University, to the Clinical Skills Center, and see suture pads and mannequins that looked like me,” said Haber. I think the students will hopefully be able to overcome those difficulties.”
