Development and Validation of a Bovine Coccygeal Venipuncture Model and Rubric

Diagnostic sample collection, including venipuncture, is critical to diagnosing and treating cattle. Clinical skills models permit learners to practice a skill and improve their competency before performing the skill on a live animal; however, relatively few bovine models exist. This study aimed to develop and validate a bovine coccygeal venipuncture model and rubric for teaching and assessing veterinary students using a validation framework consisting of content evidence, internal structure evidence, and relationship with other variables evidence. Veterinary students (n = 38) and experienced veterinarians (n = 12) performed venipuncture on the model while being video recorded. Recordings were scored blindly using a six-item rubric and a global rating score. Time to perform the task and total number of needle sticks were recorded. Veterinarians reported that the model was suitably realistic for students to learn to perform the task (content evidence). Rubric scores had acceptable reliability (a = .783, internal structure evidence). Veterinarians received higher rubric scores and used fewer needle sticks to complete the task (p = .033 and .047, relationship with other variables evidence-level of training). Students' survey responses were very positive. The evidence collected in this study supported validation of the model and rubric. The use of validated models and rubrics allows educators to teach and assess skills reliably, and the model allowed students to practice the skill repetitively, reducing the use of live animals. Additional studies would be necessary to evaluate the model for use in teaching veterinary technicians, extension agents, and livestock producers to perform this task.