Wings of Knowledge: Navigating Learner Confidence and Cognitive Load in Avian Radiography with a Low Fidelity Model

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Medical Education

Background:

• Radiography is crucial for diagnosing avian patients in veterinary practice.
• Current training often relies on physical models in clinical skills labs.
• Evaluating novel teaching methods is essential for improving veterinary education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of a physical avian radiography positioning model on learner outcomes.
• To measure cognitive load, confidence, satisfaction, and learning via OSCE.
• To determine the model's effectiveness in training veterinary students.

Main Methods:

• Development and evaluation of a physical avian radiography positioning model.
• Pre- and post-assessments using Likert scales for confidence and satisfaction.
• Pre- and post-cognitive load scales and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).
• Study involved 32 undergraduate veterinary medicine and nursing students.

Main Results:

• Participant cognitive load was high and unaffected by the model (p = .882).
• Confidence in avian radiography positioning significantly increased (p < .001).
• Learners reported high satisfaction (mean = 4.6) and a positive learning experience.
• OSCE pass rates were higher for positioning (82%) than collimation/centering (53%).

Conclusions:

• The avian radiography positioning model enhances learner confidence and satisfaction.
• It provides a satisfactory learning experience for exotic species radiography skills.
• The model is effective for training veterinary students in avian patient positioning for radiography.