CASE-BASED DISTANCE LEARNING FOR FOOD ANIMAL VETERINARIANS

<b>Project Methods</b><br> Delivery of science-based knowledge through educational programs will include electronic case-based modules, printed material and face-to-face methods. The approach we will be using is the modern evidence-based medicine (EBM) approach to clinical care that has revolutionized patient care in human medicine and is now extending to veterinary medicine. Evidence-based decisions combine clinical expertise, the most relevant and best available scientific evidence, patient circumstances and owners' values to make clinical decisions. Case-based learning modules will be developed from cases received through the UKVDL. Each case will include history from the farmer and veterinarian, examination findings, treatment decisions, and outcomes. Case modules themselves will be a mix of video, presentation slides and questions and will be interactive in order to engage the user. Available, relevant diagnostic testing options, why they were chosen and result interpretations (i.e. bacteriology, toxicology, molecular biology etc.) will be explained. The postmortem examination will be videotaped from an in-house necropsy camera mounted above the necropsy table with zoom capability and appropriate lighting. A wireless microphone will be used by the pathologist to explain significant gross findings. Relevant necropsy findings will be summarized in the case module. Finally, the case module will conclude with an overall case summary and implications for herd treatment/management, where appropriate. Modules will be either in 30 or 60 minute formats, as directed by the content and complexity of a specific case. Continuing education credits will be applied for and assigned accordingly.The biannual continuing education meetings to be held will examine current disease problems identified at the UKVDL, new government regulations such as Animal Disease Traceability and FDA drug residue testing, emerging diseases in livestock, and federal accreditation training. Experts from other areas of the country will be brought in for lectures. Specialized techniques will be taught in associated wet labs. These meetings will serve as opportunities for veterinarians to provide feedback to the UKVDL regarding diagnostic support and needs. These meetings will be videotaped and offered for online viewing.Newsletters will also be used, either in printed or electronic form, to keep in contact with veterinarians regarding any new, relevant information as it becomes available. This will keep the practitioners on the front of the knowledge curve and increase motivation to continue learning and incorporating new methodologies in daily practice.To assess program progress and outcome delivery, a series of tools will be used to evaluate the success of different program aspects. These tools include:Pre- and post-surveys administered to a representative group of food animal veterinarians. These surveys will focus on the following points: a) determine the practitioner's ability to make informed decisions about appropriate diagnostic tests, treatment plans, and associated costs, b) whether attitudes have changed towards best case management practices, and c) perceived barriers to adoption of these practices. These surveys will help determine if the modules are effective in producing the desired goals and outcomes.Relevant data tracking to determine the use and application of program modules and materials. Data tracked will include but is not limited to: number of modules downloaded and accessed by veterinarians; which modules are most widely used; numbers of attendees at the two annual conferences; and attendee demographics. These data will help determine numbers and practice locations of participating veterinarians.Track whether veterinarians who participate in this program enter into or remain in food animal practice in shortage areas. These data will help determine if this program is having the desired long term goal of increasing retention of food animal veterinarians in underserviced areas.Annual evaluation of this project by the External Advisory Panel of the UKVDL, which contains members representing veterinarians, producers, industry representatives, extension, and government regulatory agencies. This tool will ensure that stakeholders have ample input into continued modifications and implementation of the program.Baseline data will include survey of veterinarians prior to launch of this program.