An interactive, equine neurology case simulator to improve problem-solving skills

The challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic have illuminated the need and potential for online learning tools to improve the learning capabilities of students. The development and use of online clinical case simulators in veterinary medicine would allow for connections to be made between traditional coursework and real-life patient interactions, in a low-stress/low-risk environment, necessitating engaging, accessible, and realistic simulators in veterinary medicine are needed. The objectives of this project are two-fold: 1) to develop an engaging, accessible and realistic online means of presenting equine neurology case material to veterinary students during their pre-clinical portion education, and 2) to determine the impact of this approach on the students' subjective scores of their confidence level about diagnostic skills and ability to problem-solve as they enter clinical rotations. The effectiveness of this approach will be assessed using a pre-test/post-test model, in which perceived level of self-confidence and problem-solving skills will be evaluated before and after use. It is our hope that incorporating case simulators into the pre-clinical veterinary curriculum will positively impact the students' confidence and problem-solving skills thereby reducing their concerns about entering their clinical rotations. Ideally, improving these skills will optimize patient care, improve their welfare, and increase client satisfaction.