Impact of a Spectrum of Care Elective Course on Third-Year Veterinary Students’ Self-Reported Knowledge, Attitudes, and Competencies

Abstract

Veterinary services’ rising cost is an increasing barrier to pet care. Spectrum of care (SpOC) refers to evidence-based veterinary medicine options along the socioeconomic spectrum. To meet growing pet owner financial constraints and pet care needs, training to equip veterinarians with competencies to provide SpOC as Day One graduates is argued to be added as part of the veterinary curriculum. Objectives of our prospective pre- and post-survey study were to (a) determine baseline self-reported knowledge, attitudes, and competencies (KACs) surrounding SpOC in third-year DVM students; (b) develop and assess impact of a SpOC course on student self-reported SpOC KACs; and (c) obtain student feedback on the course and future SpOC training. Enrolled students ( n = 35) completed the pre-survey ( n = 35) and post-survey ( n = 33). Results indicated that students were aware of the need for SpOC training within the veterinary curriculum, and positive changes occurred in self-reported KAC from pre- to post-survey. Students tended ( p = .08) to predict better outcomes in SpOC cost-barrier scenarios from pre- (34%) to post-survey (76%), such as reduced perceived likelihood of euthanasia (63%–39%) and unsuccessful outcomes (40%–27%). Most students (31/33, 94%) predicted the course would benefit them in clinical practice and had preferred future training preferences (online modules [70%], seminars [60%], webinars [58%]). Data indicate benefits in student self-reported KACs following the SpOC course, warranting formal course inclusion, with tracking of students into clinical practice to document objective KAC impacts and perhaps similar course rollout to other institutions.