Evaluation of Two Training Methods for Teaching the Abdominal Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma Technique (A-FAST) to First- and Second-Year Veterinary Students

Rachel B. Davy, Philip E. Hamel, Yu Su, Clifford R. Berry, Bobbi J. Conner

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Ultrasound techniques, including focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) examinations, are commonly used in veterinary practice, making inclusion of ultrasound in veterinary curricula increasingly important. The best approach for teaching ultrasound techniques in veterinary medicine has not been evaluated. This study compared the results of two training techniques, live-animal training and online video instruction, on students’ performance during abdominal FAST (A-FAST) examinations. Thirty-eight first- and second-year veterinary students were randomly assigned to learn A-FAST via a live-animal laboratory or an instructional video. The live-animal group received one-on-one instruction in A-FAST techniques during a single laboratory. The video group received a link to an instructional video demonstrating A-FAST techniques, allowing unlimited viewing opportunities over a two-week period. Both groups were also provided written instructional information. All participants were assessed on their ability to find and correctly name the four A-FAST quadrants on a live animal. We found a significant difference between the two groups in the students’ ability to identify the diaphragmatic-hepatic (DH) view, but for the other three views (hepatorenal, splenorenal, and cystocolic), training method did not affect performance. Results suggest the potential for using a multi-modal instructional approach to teach ultrasound techniques to veterinary students.
Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)258-263
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Veterinary Medical Education
Volume46
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • A-FAST
  • online learning
  • point-of-care
  • ultrasound
  • video
  • Video
  • Point-of-care
  • Online learning
  • Ultrasound

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Veterinary
  • Education

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