VET40520 Evidence-based and problem-oriented approaches to Small Animal Medicine

Academic Year 2023/2024

This module is a foundational model for the programme. It focuses on introducing the principles of both evidence-based practice and a problem-oriented clinical approach, the two core themes within the programme, and their application to small animal medicine.
The five 'A's approach to evidence based practice is introduced with students having the opportunity to start practicing the approach and building their appraisal skills in preparation for applying them in clinical contexts as they progress through the programme. The module will look at asking answerable questions, creating effective search strategies, evaluation of scientific publications and the rational application of diagnostic tests.
The problem-oriented approach to medical cases will be introduced with students building foundational knowledge ready to start applying this as they progress through the programme.
The development of critical thinking skills and an ability to evaluate the current literature is a key component of this module.

This is a pass / fail module comprising several components including both within trimester assessment and end of trimester assessment.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Having successfully completed this module, participants will be able to:

* Analyse the appropriateness of a constructed PICO question to reflect the purpose of the paper / address a clinical problem 

* Develop suitable inclusion and exclusion criteria for refining a search

* Explain the relevance of key diagnostic study features (e.g., screening, diagnosis, sensitivity and specificity, positive and negative predictive values) to clinical diagnosis/assessment

* Critically appraise a paper for trustworthiness (qualitative), validity, replicability and reliability using a critical appraisal tool where appropriate

* Interpret results as presented in a paper

* Calculate interpretative statistics such as Odds Ratios (ORs), Relative Risk Reduction (RRRs), Numbers Needed to Treat (NNRs), and measures of uncertainty (p values, confidence intervals etc)

* Explain how both the grade and the certainty of evidence informs clinical decision making

* Recognise the relevant types of outcome measures

* Give examples of reflective clinical practice within the context of EBP

* Formulate a logical, problem-oriented approach approach to common clinical scenarios in small animal medicine

* Provide clear, constructive, actionable feedback to peers

* Critically reflect on their learning, identifying strategies for success and highlighting areas for further development

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

20
Autonomous Student Learning

80
Online Learning

40
Total

140
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
e-Lectures
Critical writing
Enquiry & problem-based learning
Case-based learning
Reflective learning
Peer and group work 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: Combination of individual and group work, reflection on learning and final assessments (including SBAs and Paper appraisal) Throughout the Trimester n/a Pass/Fail Grade Scale No

100

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback
• Peer review activities
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Intra-semester on-line formative SBAs and SNAPIs will be offered to students during delivery of the module. Automated on-line feedback will be provided following completion of these exercises. Individual assessment pieces gain peer and group / class feedback feedback post-assessment, with larger assessments gaining individual feedback Group project work will involve self- and peer-assessment along with the delivery of group / class feedback as part of this process. All students failing the end of semester assessments are offered an opportunity to discuss their results with the Module Co-ordinator. Queries from passing students are dealt with on an individual basis

Ettinger, Stephen J., Edward C. Feldman, and Etienne Cote, eds. 2017. Textbook Of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 8th ed. St. Louis, Missouri, US: Elsevier.
Name Role
Ms Monica Augusto Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Rory Breathnach Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Benoît Cuq Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Michael Doherty Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mx Tom Maher Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Carmel Mooney Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Kevin Murtagh Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 

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