Development and Validation of a Feline Medial Saphenous Venipuncture Model and Rubric

Abstract

Cats are extremely popular pets with the reputation of being uncooperative for even common procedures, such as venipuncture. In this study, we sought to create and validate a cat medial saphenous venipuncture model and rubric for use in veterinary training. The validation framework consisted of content evidence, internal structure evidence, and relationship with other variables. Eleven veterinarians and veterinary technicians who were experienced with the procedure evaluated the model by means of a survey. These experienced participants, along with 25 veterinary students who were novices at the skill, performed venipuncture on the model while being digitally recorded. One hundred percent of the experienced participants and 88% of the novices reported that the model was helpful for teaching feline medial saphenous venipuncture. They identified a few areas for continued improvement, including increasing the blood flow rate and decreasing the vessel wall rigidity. Experienced users’ rubric scores were significantly higher than novice students’ (experienced, M = 13.4; novice M = 16.5; p = .05), suggesting that the model’s features were adequate to differentiate the performances of various users. Internal consistency of the eight-item rubric was acceptable at .74. These results supported validation of the cat medial saphenous model and rubric for use in veterinary education.

Comparison of viscoelastic test results from blood collected near simultaneously from the jugular and saphenous veins in cats

“…For TEG and ROTEM, veterinary guidelines suggest the use of a jugular vein and a 21 G or larger needle. 2 Similar recommendations have yet to be developed for the VCM Vet, and saphenous venipuncture may be preferable for fractious cats, 7 or patients with suspected coagulopathies. 8 In dogs, jugular and saphenous citrated samples did not produce significantly different results when analyzed by kaolin-activated TEG, 9 but site of venipuncture has not been compared in cats.…”

The influence of low-fidelity simulator training on canine peripheral venous puncture procedure

“…Regarding the simulator developed in our research, the reproduction of the simplified anatomy was sufficient for the peripheral venipuncture procedure to be performed as many times as necessary, which corroborates with the findings of other authors. It is important to note, however, that further training on the patient is essential [28].…”

Development and Formative Evaluation of a Low-Fidelity Equine Castration Model for Veterinary Education

“…Small animal surgical simulators, such as those described for feline and canine ovariohysterectomy, allow students multiple opportunities to practice routine veterinary surgeries in a lowstakes environment without the use of animals (8)(9)(10). Recent reports on newly developed canine and bovine castration models show positive survey feedback from both veterinary students and clinicians, with both groups reporting that models were useful for surgical skills training (11,12). Hunt et al reported that student performance scores on a canine pre-scrotal closed castration model were strongly correlated with their live castration performance (11).…”

“…Given the wealth of evidence for the potential educational, ethical, practical, and financial advantages of models/simulators for veterinary student surgical training (9,11,12,(14)(15)(16), and the lack of an available equine castration model, we sought to develop a low-fidelity model of closed equine castration as performed on a "cast" or recumbent horse. The specific goals for this project were to create an affordable simulator and associated formative assessment that allowed students a chance to: (1) practice a cognitive, step-wise approach to equine field castration, (2) recognize their own strengths and weaknesses when performing a clinical procedure, and (3) receive timely and specific expert feedback on this skill.…”

“…Recent reports on newly developed canine and bovine castration models show positive survey feedback from both veterinary students and clinicians, with both groups reporting that models were useful for surgical skills training ( 11 , 12 ). Hunt et al reported that student performance scores on a canine pre-scrotal closed castration model were strongly correlated with their live castration performance ( 11 ). Similarly, Anderson et al reported that veterinary students trained on a bovine castration model had higher performance scores on live-bull calf castration than students who received only a traditional lecture ( 12 ).…”