Development of Surgical Competence in Veterinary Students Using a Flipped Classroom Approach

Clinical skills laboratory (CSL) training was recently introduced in the renewed veterinary curriculum at Ghent University, using models and simulators for teaching practical skills. However, time in the CSL is restricted due to the large number of students combined with limited availability of personnel. Therefore, a flipped classroom (FC) model was introduced to maximize learning experiences. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the effect of flipped classroom CSL training on students' self-efficacy and practical surgical skills. Flipped classroom CSL training was implemented for the third-year pre-clinical students (n = 196) in the 6-year veterinary medicine program. Prior to CSL sessions, students studied online 'learning paths,' including text, pictures, videos of the skills, links to background information, a forum, and a compulsory pre-class quiz. A pre- and post-test were administered before and after flipped classroom CSL training. The tests consisted of a self-efficacy scale consisting of 20 items and an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) test of surgical skills performance. Flipped classroom CSL training resulted in significantly higher self-efficacy (score/100, pre-test 55 ± 14 vs. post-test 83 ± 8, p< .001) and surgical skills performance (score/20, pre-test 5 ± 3 vs. post-test 17 ± 3, p< .001). In conclusion, this study demonstrated the feasibility and value of implementing a flipped classroom approach in combination with CSL training.