Validation of a Canine Blood Donor Model in Veterinary Nursing Skill Education

Background: Canine blood donation collection technique is a frequently performed and often life-saving or emergency procedure in small animal critical care. Training student veterinary nurses (SVNs) to correctly perform this clinical technique with confidence involves repetitive training using simulation prior to clinical practice with real patients. Teaching methods including training models used in simulation must undergo validation evaluation to demonstrate suitability for teaching, appropriateness for learning and reliability for assessment, since inappropriately developed models risk incorrect learning with increased confidence. Summary of Work: Two canine blood donor simulators were constructed to train SVNs at Dundalk Institute of Technology Ireland, on correct blood donation collection technique as part of transfusion therapy in Critical Care and Medical Nursing modules. Plush canine toys were modified to include jugular veins using infusion lines connected to red tinted fluid bags, representing respective patient blood volumes. A stepwise checklist was developed to guide and assess procedural performance. Eight veterinary nursing (VN) educator colleagues from three Irish VN training programmes participated as experts to evaluate model appropriateness and usefulness. 11 SVNs used the model in Critical Care practical class and of those, six opted into the study to provide feedback and ratings on the models’ validity and suitability for learning. Pre-existing experience in transfusion therapy and confidence levels of SVNs at performing the skill post model use were also assessed. Take Home Message: Experts found the models to be suitable for teaching and assessment of correct technical skill performance. Students found the models to be helpful to learn the skill correctly and develop confidence prior to live animal performance. The models are a useful precursor to skill performance in live patients and may have potential value outside of the classroom in training veterinary staff to promote clinical effectiveness and patient safety via procedural error identification and reduction