Development of a distance education course on Skills and Strategies in Veterinary Communication (SSVC): a contribution to clinical research and evidence-based practice

Abstract

Introduction: Communication training has received increased attention in the last decade and communication skills are highly important to the success of veterinary graduates. Web-based learning is becoming a major learning approach in veterinary medicine. However, there is no published study proposing an online-only, student-centered, interactive, problem-based and competency-based veterinary communication course. This course was designed with the goal of enabling students everywhere to acquire communication skills and strategies.
Methods: This course will consist of 4 modules, each comprising 3 phases with a total of 7 tasks and will be supported by media resources: Slack and Zoom platforms; Kahoot, Mentimeter, and Loom Apps. It is aimed at 4th/5th year Veterinary Medicine/Veterinary Nursing students, and at Veterinarians/Veterinary Nurses in clinical practice. Each of the modules addresses a stage of a visit and the content is based on the Calgary-Cambridge Guides. Phase 1 (individual) involves the flipped-learning concept and uses an online sharing and discussion platform. Phase 2 (team) involves a team discussion and a role-play practical class. Phase 3 is the wrap up and involves a case-based 1-hour lecture.
Conclusions: We estimate this course to be a novel element, which could be capable of developing soft skills in veterinarians even during pandemic times. It may also be an important contribution to improving clinical research and evidence-based practice.

Keywords: veterinary medicine, communication, interpersonal skills, online learning, interactive learning, problem-based learning, competency-based education, evidence-based medicine