Does Student Competence and Confidence in Calving Cows Improve after Implementation of a Calving Simulator as Part of a Blended Learning Approach?

Orr, J. , Kelly, R. and Carmichael, M. M. (2022) Does Student Competence and Confidence in Calving Cows Improve after Implementation of a Calving Simulator as Part of a Blended Learning Approach? Vet Ed Symposium 2022, Nottingham Veterinary School, 6-8 July 2022.

Abstract

New graduates are challenged by problem calvings often presenting as emergencies. Case exposure and thus practice opportunities are limited during the veterinary programme; however, this is a Day 1 skill. The overall educational aim was to explore whether student learning is consistently enhanced by a blended approach which combines online video resources (CAL) with calving model simulator practice (SIM). Here we are presenting three years of data on student attainment of skills and, importantly, confidence levels, evaluated via OSCE (n=298) and self rating numeric scales (n=277), respectively. Multivariable logistic regression identified that teaching modality and OSCE assessor (not cohort year) influenced OSCE pass rates (PRs). The greatest increase in OSCE PRs was observed with the SIM or CAL&SIM (OR 8.262(95% CI 2.034 – 11.892) and 11.465(95% CI 4.707 – 27.923)) respectively. Being assessed by an external assessor also had a positive influence on OSCE PRs. Multivariable logistic regression identified teaching modality, experience and confidence before teaching (not cohort year) as improving overall confidence levels. Teaching group had the biggest effect with SIM and CAL&SIM both having a positive effect on confidence (OR 10.894 (95% CI 4.547 – 26.103) and 18.449 (95% CI 7.438 – 45.760) respectively). Having some calving experience and being more confident before teaching also had a positive effect. In conclusion, the blended approach, in particular, using the calving simulator appears to be of benefit to the PRs of a calving OSCE and to self-declared confidence of veterinary undergraduates when faced with a cow calving.

• Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Kelly, Mr Rob and Orr, Miss Jayne
• Authors: Orr, J., Kelly, R., and Carmichael, M. M.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine