Evaluation of the expectations, learning and competencies of surgical skills by undergraduate veterinary students performing canine ovariohysterectomies

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the development of surgical skills of veterinary undergraduates and determine the number of canine ovariohysterectomies required to achieve competency and reduce levels of student concern. This was compared to student expectations and that of employers regarding surgical ability and provision of support to new graduates. Methods: A questionnaire regarding surgical concerns was sent to final year veterinary students enrolled within the University of Bristol, UK. A questionnaire was also sent to 200 UK veterinary practices regarding their impressions of surgical competence of new graduates and their provision of supervision. The responses were compared. Eleven additional final year students performed five canine ovariohysterectomies and graded their concerns. The number of supervised canine ovariohysterectomies required until competency was determined. Results: 80·4% of final year veterinary undergraduates replied that the surgical procedure which they were most concerned about their ability to perform was canine ovariohysterectomy. Students and veterinary practitioners differed in their opinions regarding whether they considered canine ovariohysterectomy to be a “day one skill” and what were desirable levels of supervision. Completing a minimum of four canine ovariohysterectomies led to 81·8% of students being assessed as competent. Clinical Significance: An unrealistically high expectation of competency by students may be a source of stress and concern. Employers should aim to provide hands‐on support whilst new graduates complete at least four canine ovariohysterectomies. Postoperative haemorrhage is uncommon but is the main concern for students.

Alfaxalone for total intravenous anaesthesia in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy: a comparison of premedication with acepromazine or dexmedetomidine

“…This was a clinical study carried out in an institution that teaches veterinary undergraduates, therefore dogs received surgery from final year veterinary students under the direct supervision of a veterinary surgeon. Each student carried out ovariohysterectomy on five dogs and surgical competence of the students varied throughout the study (Bowlt et al 2011). Thus there were variations in the severity of noxious stimulation and peri-operative inflammation experienced by each dog.…”

“…The study was carried out at Langford Veterinary Services (LVS), University of Bristol, with dogs recruited from different canine rehoming charities and transported to the LVS premises in order to undergo elective ovariohysterectomy via ventral midline laparotomy. In addition to enrolment in this anaesthesia study the dogs were at the same time enrolled in a surgical study investigating teaching of surgical skills (ovariohysterectomy) to final year veterinary students (Bowlt et al 2011). No power analysis was carried out prior to the start of the study because of the limited number of cases available, and the primarily descriptive nature of data collected.…”

Canine Ovariohysterectomy: A Survey of Surgeon Concerns and Surgical Complications Encountered by Newly Graduated Veterinarians

“…[2][3][4][5][6] Complications associated with cOVH have been reported in up to 52% of patients 1,7,8 and hemorrhage is the most common cause of cOVHrelated death.…”

Factors affecting the duration of anesthesia and surgery of canine and feline gonadectomies performed by veterinary students in a year‐long preclinical surgery laboratory

“…The longer duration of anesthesia is likely related to surgery because the 2 are inextricably connected, and dogs do not tend to have more challenging anesthetic episodes . Environmental factors may also have played a role; it has been well described that veterinary students and new graduates experience substantial stress related to canine OHE, which may adversely affect the ability to learn and move efficiently through procedural steps …”