TY - JOUR

T1 - Evaluation of the impact of using a simulator for teaching veterinary students cerebrospinal fluid collection

T2 - A mixed-methods study

AU - Langebæk, Rikke

AU - Berendt, Mette

AU - Tipold, Andrea

AU - Engelskirchen, Simon

AU - Dilly, Marc

PY - 2021

Y1 - 2021

N2 - The collection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis of central nervous system diseases. Prior training in this invasive procedure is essential to minimize the risk of harming animals. Because of this risk, stress and anxiety can influence the learning process. Simulators can be used to teach and learn invasive procedures.The aim of this mixed-methods study was to validate a CSF collection simulator and investigate students' perceptions of the simulator as an educational tool.The quantitative approach validated the simulator for face and content validity, and students provided a general evaluation of the simulator using surveys.The simulator's construct validity was measured by means of a global rating scale. Students' perceptions were investigated qualitatively using semi-structured interviews. Experts (n = 13) confirmed the simulator's face and content validity. Students (n = 16) evaluated the simulator as supportive of their learning. Results for construct validity demonstrated higher global rating scores from experts than from students. The scores for procedural performance and procedural knowledge and flow showed significant differences (p ≤.05).Analysis of interviews with students (n = 10) revealed four main themes: emotions, learning process, evaluation of the model, and CSF collection procedure. In conclusion, this study validated the use of the CSF simulator as an educational tool that can help students overcome some of their anxiety in relation to performing an invasive procedure.

AB - The collection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis of central nervous system diseases. Prior training in this invasive procedure is essential to minimize the risk of harming animals. Because of this risk, stress and anxiety can influence the learning process. Simulators can be used to teach and learn invasive procedures.The aim of this mixed-methods study was to validate a CSF collection simulator and investigate students' perceptions of the simulator as an educational tool.The quantitative approach validated the simulator for face and content validity, and students provided a general evaluation of the simulator using surveys.The simulator's construct validity was measured by means of a global rating scale. Students' perceptions were investigated qualitatively using semi-structured interviews. Experts (n = 13) confirmed the simulator's face and content validity. Students (n = 16) evaluated the simulator as supportive of their learning. Results for construct validity demonstrated higher global rating scores from experts than from students. The scores for procedural performance and procedural knowledge and flow showed significant differences (p ≤.05).Analysis of interviews with students (n = 10) revealed four main themes: emotions, learning process, evaluation of the model, and CSF collection procedure. In conclusion, this study validated the use of the CSF simulator as an educational tool that can help students overcome some of their anxiety in relation to performing an invasive procedure.

KW - Clinical skills

KW - Learning

KW - Mixed method

KW - Neurology

KW - Simulator

KW - Students' perception

KW - Validation

KW - Veterinary education

U2 - 10.3138/jvme.2019-0006

DO - 10.3138/jvme.2019-0006

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 32149589

AN - SCOPUS:85104565468

VL - 48

SP - 217

EP - 227

JO - Journal of Veterinary Medical Education

JF - Journal of Veterinary Medical Education

SN - 0748-321X

IS - 2

ER -