Practicing the skills of evidence-based veterinary medicine through case-based pharmacology rounds

J Vet Med Educ. 2009 Summer;36(2):186-95. doi: 10.3138/jvme.36.2.186.

Abstract

Accessing new knowledge and using it to make decisions is the foundation of evidence-based veterinary medicine (EBVM), the integration of best research evidence with clinical expertise and owner/manager values. Reflecting on our experience with an EBVM-based clinical pharmacology assignment during a clinical rotation, we present the justification for the addition of an EBVM assignment to the clinical (fourth) year at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University. We also present an in-depth analysis of the addition, recommendations for the assessment of this exercise as a method of improving evidence-based veterinary practice, and recommendations and implications for other instructors interested in adding EBVM-related learning to their professional curricula. We recommend adding EBVM skill practice in pre-clinical training, abbreviated exercises in EBVM skills on clinical rotations, and increased attention to critical-thinking skills in veterinary education.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Curriculum
  • Decision Making
  • Education, Veterinary / methods*
  • Evidence-Based Practice / education*
  • Evidence-Based Practice / methods
  • Humans
  • Pharmacology / education*
  • Preceptorship / methods*
  • Students, Health Occupations
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Texas