Using Fine Arts-Based Training to Develop Observational Skills in Veterinary Students Learning Cytology: A Pilot...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Education
• Medical Education
• Arts in Medicine

Background:

• Veterinarians require strong observational skills, similar to medical professionals.
• Observational skills are crucial for veterinary students but often lack explicit curriculum training.
• The efficacy of arts-based observation training in veterinary cytology education is unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of arts-based observation training on veterinary students' skills in analyzing art and cytology images.
• To assess changes in observational skills immediately and after a delay following the training.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study comparing student descriptions of art and cytology images before and after arts-based training.
• Utilized pre-tests and post-tests scored against expert descriptions.
• Administered a feedback survey to students post-training.

Main Results:

• Significant improvement in art image descriptions post-training (immediate and delayed).
• Non-significant improvement in cytology image descriptions immediately post-training.
• A non-significant decrease in cytology image description scores from immediate to delayed post-test.

Conclusions:

• Arts-based training shows potential for enhancing observational skills, particularly in visual art analysis.
• The effectiveness of arts-based training may be context-dependent, with less impact on cytology image descriptions.
• Further research with larger cohorts and control groups is recommended to validate these findings.