Evaluation of peer teaching and deliberate practice to teach veterinary surgery

Abstract

Objective: To assess the impact of peer teaching and deliberate practice on surgical skills acquisition and retention in first- and second-year veterinary students. Study design: Randomized, prospective, comparative study. Sample population: Eighteen first-year and 25 second-year students from 1 college of veterinary medicine who had previously demonstrated proficiency in basic surgical skills. Methods: Forty-three participants were divided into 3 groups: the test group (group A, n = 15), who participated in a structured peer-assisted learning program using deliberate practice; the time-practice control group (group B, n = 15), who participated in an unstructured peer-supported environment; and the assessment-only control group (group C, n = 13), who participated in the assessments. Participants performed a subcutaneous mass removal on a cadaver model and were assessed via a global rating system. Three assessment points were evaluated: pretraining, immediate posttraining, and retention. Results: The number of participants who achieved acceptable or excellent grand total scores in group A increased after training. Among all participants, 22% in group A, 35% in group B, and 38% in group C did not achieve an acceptable total score at the retention assessment. Conclusion: The study population improved in skill level and retention through the use of standardized video and peer instruction with attention to effective learning strategies, particularly deliberate practice. Clinical significance: Use and enhancement of the format introduced in this study could augment veterinary surgical education.