Abstract:
As part of a recent major curriculum review the need for improved clinical skills training was
highlighted by students, recent graduates and employers. Therefore, a new Clinical Skills
Laboratory (CSL) was opened in 2012, which is now used for teaching throughout the five
year curriculum. It is run by a dedicated team who have developed a wide range of
innovative models and supporting learning resources.
Our reflections on initiatives that promote learning include:
1. Embed formal teaching in the timetable to ensure all students have opportunities to
develop practical and clinical skills at the most advantageous times e.g. prior to workplacements
and rotations. However, there can be challenges for staffing and schedules.
2. Operate an open-access policy to give students multiple opportunities to practise
and at times that best support their learning needs. A set of CSL ‘House Rules’ helps ensure
students sign up to safe working practices e.g. no lone-working.
3. Involve recent graduates in development of learning resources; they know what
students really need to support their learning and for the transition into practice.
4. Develop instruction booklets to enable students to learn skills, step-by-step.
Including ‘how to reset the station’ is invaluable as it means the CSL remains tidy and all
stations are always ready for the next learner.
5. Tips from colleagues in the online forum ‘Veterinary Clinical Skills’
(www.noviceproject.eu) are invaluable.
6. Ultimately, assessment drives learning - so Objective Structured Clinical
Examinations are a must.
Description:
Poster presented at the 5th International Veterinary Simulation in Teaching Conference, 10-12 April 2017, held at the Intundla Conference Venue, Pretoria, South Africa.
