gms | German Medical Science

Day-one-skills and competences have been introduced by the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE) in 2008. These include how to perform first aid as well as administrating appropriate treatment [1]. For parenteral administration of drugs and fluids e g. in case of dehydration, intravenous (IV) drip infusion through catheter placement is a well-established procedure. In cattle catheterization of the auricular vein guarantees a safe fit and can be used over several days even to infuse larger amounts of fluids [2]. A bovine model for catheter placement into the auricular vein has been constructed at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (Figure 1 [Fig. 1]). After evaluation by experts and students the model has been rated as useful for teaching [3].

Aim of this study was to test whether students with a training-session on the model perform catheter placement into the auricular vein of cattle successfully and correct. Furthermore student’s opinion on the model in comparison to live animal was collected.

During the last year of study, 13 students with no hands on experience in catheter placement in cattle were taught catheterization on the model. Afterwards all students underwent a checklist-based assessment (nine binary items) on live animals using an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). Every student was allowed to perform two attempts, if needed. After the assessment students were asked to rate the model with a questionnaire. Questions focused on overall looks, haptic features and use of the model for teaching purposes. Rating was given on a Likert-Scale from one to four, “1 = fully agree”, “2 = agree”, “3 = mostly agree” and “4 = don’t agree”.

A total of nine students (69 %) succeeded in placing the catheter, seven students performed all checklist items correct and two students scored 89 % of all items. Four students did not manage to place the catheter. Only two students succeeded on their first attempt.

Students rated the overall look of the simulator 2.27, the haptic features 2.73 and the use for teaching 1.83

Overall the model seems to be able to demonstrate essential characteristics of catheter placement into the auricular vein in cattle. Furthermore, simulator-based training helped students to perform catheter placement successfully. In the future, the use of the model under different conditions as well as different delivery approaches on the effect of student’s performance will be of interest.