While manikins are useful tools for medical training, they do have some limitations that should be considered. Here's a detailed breakdown of these disadvantages:

Excessive Emphasis on Technical Skills

Manikin-based training may put technical skill execution ahead of communication, interpersonal skills, and ethical considerations in patient care. Overreliance on technical perfection via manikins may raise ethical concerns about prioritising technique over patient well-being and holistic care.

Insufficient Human Interaction

Manikins lack the emotional responses and expressions of real patients, limiting trainees' ability to develop empathy, emotional intelligence, and communication skills in these settings. Manikins, unlike real patients, do not respond dynamically to interventions or unexpected situations, which limits trainees' development of critical thinking and adaptability.

The Complexity Is Limited

Even advanced manikins may not fully replicate the complexities of human anatomy, physiology, and individual differences, potentially leading to errors when translating skills to real patients. Manikins cannot fully simulate the unpredictability and complications that real-world clinical situations bring.

It's important to remember that manikins aren't a substitute for hands-on clinical experience. Their role is to supplement, rather than replace, patient interactions by offering a safe and controlled environment for skill development and practice. Understanding manikins' limitations and strategically using them allows us to maximize their benefits while also preparing trainees for the complexities of real-world medical practice.