A Multicenter Evaluation of a Metacognitive Framework for Antimicrobial Selection Education

Abstract

Antimicrobial selection is a complex task for veterinary students there is a need for both assessment tools and novel strategies to promote the proper use of antimicrobials. SODAPOP (Source-Organism-Decided to treat-Antimicrobials-Patient- Option-Plan) is a mnemonic previously designed to aid in developing antimicrobial selection skills by promoting metacognition. To assess the effect of this tool, we enrolled veterinary students ( N = 238) from five veterinary teaching institutions in a study that consisted of an online survey that contained a video-based intervention. For the intervention, a video that presented principles of antimicrobial selection was embedded within the survey. For one-half of students, the video also included an explanation of SODAPOP. The survey included self-efficacy statements rated by participants pre-intervention and post-intervention. The survey also included cases, developed for this study, that were used to assess selection and plan competence. Cases were graded using two study-developed rubrics in a blinded fashion by veterinary educators. A statistically significant difference was found in participant-reported self-efficacy pre-scores and post-scores when asked about empiric prescribing (5.8 vs. 6.5; P = .0153) for the SODAPOP group but not the control group. No immediate impact on competence was found. When asked whether SODAPOP was an essential educational tool and likely to be used by participants in the future, the mean rank score (from 1-10) was 7.6 and 7.2, respectively. In addition to developing cases and rubrics, this study demonstrated that SODAPOP may be a useful tool for integration into approaches for teaching antimicrobial selection to veterinary students.