Facilitating Development of Problem-Solving Skills in Veterinary Learners with Clinical Examples

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medical Education
• Clinical Reasoning
• Problem-Solving Skills

Background:

• Problem-solving is integral to veterinary clinical reasoning and decision-making.
• Effective problem-solving requires logical information organization and application of knowledge.
• Decision-making must prioritize beneficial and economical approaches for animal care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a structured approach for teaching problem-solving skills to veterinary learners.
• To define key components of effective problem-solving in veterinary medicine.
• To outline the facilitator's role in developing these critical skills.

Main Methods:

• Defined problem-solving in the context of veterinary medical education.
• Proposed a 5-element protocol: problem list, timeline, system/pathophysiology, management, unique features.
• Emphasized the instructor's role as a facilitator using coaching, feedback, and modeling.

Main Results:

• The 5-element protocol provides a systematic framework for veterinary problem-solving.
• Facilitator skills like coaching and effective feedback are crucial for learner development.
• A case scenario example illustrates the practical application of the teaching method.

Conclusions:

• The proposed framework enhances the teaching of problem-solving in veterinary learners.
• Structured learning and effective facilitation are key to improving clinical reasoning.
• This approach supports the development of competent and efficient veterinary professionals.