Evaluation of calving simulator training in the veterinary undergraduate curriculum as part of a blended learning programme.

Veterinary graduates in the UK are required to be competent when attending an emergency such as a calving cow (https://www.rcvs.org.uk/document-library/day-one-skills/), but competence in this important practical skill is rarely acquired during undergraduate veterinary education. Curriculum development at the University of Glasgow, School of Veterinary Medicine, has facilitated the implementation of cattle obstetric simulator models to increase safe practice opportunities, as part of a blended learning approach together with lectures and computer assisted learning (CAL). The aim of this study was to evaluate the implementation of obstetric simulator models using the performance of students in their 4th year of the veterinary programme (n = 106) in a formative Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) exam. students were assigned to one of 4 groups; 1. Lectures only 2. Lectures and CAL (minivideos describing the practical) 3. lectures and simulator practical only 4. Lectures, simulator practical and CALyou need n= for each group. The outcome of the formative OSCE exam was evaluated to assess if student competence differed between groups. The hypothesis being that those in group 4 would perform at the highest level. This poster presents the results of the study and Concluding statement: may help other institutions make a more informed decision as to whether investment in simulator models is good value for money. This study was conducted following institutional ethical approval and with informed consent.