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Objective: The aim of the project is to teach clinical practical and communication skills in the Clinical Skills Lab (CSL) of the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation (TiHo) during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methodology: As a measure to limit potential SARS-CoV2 infections, the CSL learning stations were digitised and made available on the Moodle learning platform of the TiHo. Online quiz stations were also developed, as well as improvisations that allowed students to practise practical skills at home using everyday materials. Courses for Practical Year (PY) students were digitised and again combined with classroom exercises throughout the year. The teaching formats could be evaluated by the students by means of a questionnaire using a Likert scale (1=agree; 4=disagree).Results: A total of 24.92% of students (n=1272) completed the learning stations with improvisations. The quiz stations were completed with a percentage of 75.08%. Students indicated that the improvisations were easily implementable from home (M=1.33) and assisted in learning the practical skills in question (M=1.89). The quiz stations were considered helpful (M=1.40) and complementary to previous CSL offers (M=1.13). The PY students found the amount of teaching materials adequate (M=1.76) and described communication with the lecturers as problem-free (compulsory electives=1.24).Conclusions: Digital teaching is suitable as a supplement to existing face-to-face courses at the CSL, but cannot replace on-site training under the guidance of trained personnel. The CSL will continue to strive for a combination of online and face-to-face courses for some learning stations in the future.

Context: In medical and veterinary medical education the use of problem-based and cased-based learning has steadily increased over time. At veterinary faculties, this development has mainly been evident in the clinical phase of the veterinary education. Therefore, a consortium of teachers of biochemistry and physiology together with technical and didactical experts launched the EU-funded project “vetVIP”, to create and implement veterinary virtual patients and problems for basic science instruction. In this study the implementation and utilization of virtual patients occurred at the veterinary faculties in Budapest, Hannover and Lublin.Methods: This report describes the investigation of the utilization and acceptance of students studying veterinary basic sciences using optional online learning material concurrently to regular biochemistry and physiology didactic instruction. The reaction of students towards this offer of clinical case-based learning in basic sciences was analysed using quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data were collected automatically within the chosen software-system CASUS as user-log-files. Responses regarding the quality of the virtual patients were obtained using an online questionnaire. Furthermore, subjective evaluation by authors was performed using a focus group discussion and an online questionnaire.Results: Implementation as well as usage and acceptance varied between the three participating locations. High approval was documented in Hannover and Lublin based upon the high proportion of voluntary students (>70%) using optional virtual patients. However, in Budapest the participation rate was below 1%. Due to utilization, students seem to prefer virtual patients and problems created in their native language and developed at their own university. In addition, the statement that assessment drives learning was supported by the observation that peak utilization was just prior to summative examinations.Conclusion: Veterinary virtual patients in basic sciences can be introduced and used for the presentation of integrative clinical case scenarios. Student post-course comments also supported the conclusion that overall the virtual cases increased their motivation for learning veterinary basic sciences.

Veterinary studies in Germany are regulated by the Veterinary Certification Act (TAppV). The practical part of the education consists of 1,170 hours, whereby up to 850 hours can be spent on the curative work placement. A curative work placement can result in physical and psychological stress in the sense of a professional overload. It is the aim of this study to find out in what areas and to what extent competence is acquired and psychological stress exists in students during their work placement. Veterinary students (n=142) from all German education institutes participated in a voluntary online-study based on Burnout Screening Scales (BOSS) as well as a questionnaire regarding the acquisition of competence and excessive stress during the work placement (FKÜP). The distribution of values for work placement related stress show that such work placement related stress is generally slightly increased (T=60) and lies above that of occupational stresses within the normal population. Work placement related physical complaints also show a significant slight increase (T=61). A value (T=42) within the normal range was determined for the resource values. Few of the students questioned considered themselves to be excessively stressed in favour of a high subjective acquisition of competences. The largest increase regarding the acquisition of competence was noted for the areas of animal handling/restraint and application and injection techniques. In the sense of a perceived excessive demand regarding practical capabilities the areas of emergency management, surgery and medication dispensation were mentioned. With regard to the load structure and the acquisition of competence by veterinary students during their work placement, more support of the individual and a balancing of teaching/learning goals would be desirable and represents a promising approach.

[english] The amendments introduced to the current Veterinary Licensing Ordinance (TAppV) by the Veterinary Licensing Regulation (TAppO) have brought a high degree of skills orientation to fill the gap between academic study and preparing for a wide range of professional skills. In order to improve the veterinary skills of students while conveying fundamental methods in a structured and reproducible way, the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, has set up the first central veterinary skills lab in Germany.Practical training is provided by means of a three-tier delivery approach. This involves around 40 simulators on an area of approx. 800 m² under the guidance of 6-8 staff members, along with supplementary resources such as posters, text instructions and YouTube videos. Since it opened in March 2013, there have been 769 visits to the skills lab and 30,734 hits on YouTube.Initial results show that the skills lab helps to maintain student motivation by teaching them practical skills at an early stage of the basic study-based acquisition of knowledge, whilst reinforcing skills acquisition per se in competence-based teaching. It enables veterinary students to prepare for their first examinations and treatments of live patients in a manner compliant with animal welfare.

[english] Introduction: Informal and formal lifelong learning is essential at university and in the workplace. Apart from classical learning techniques, Web 2.0 tools can be used. It is controversial whether there is a so-called net generation amongst people under 30.Aims: To test the hypothesis that a net generation among students and young veterinarians exists.Methods: An online survey of students and veterinarians was conducted in the German-speaking countries which was advertised via online media and traditional print media.Results: 1780 people took part in the survey. Students and veterinarians have different usage patterns regarding social networks (91.9% vs. 69%) and IM (55.9% vs. 24.5%). All tools were predominantly used passively and in private, to a lesser extent also professionally and for studying.Outlook: The use of Web 2.0 tools is useful, however, teaching information and media skills, preparing codes of conduct for the internet and verification of user generated content is essential.[german] Einleitung: Informelles und formelles lebenslanges Lernen ist im Studium und Beruf essenziell. Dazu können neben der klassischen Fortbildung auch Web 2.0 Tools benutzt werden. Umstritten in der Literatur ist allerdings, ob es unter den „Unter 30 Jährigen“ eine sogenannte Net-Generation gibt. Ziel: Überprüfung der Hypothese, dass eine Net-Generation unter Studierenden und jungen Tierärzten existiert. Methode: Eine Onlineumfrage unter Studierenden und der Tierärzteschaft wurde im deutschsprachigen Raum durchgeführt, die per Onlinemedien und klassischen Printmedien beworben wurde.Ergebnisse: An der Befragung haben 1780 Personen teilgenommen. Es gibt unterschiedliches Nutzungsverhalten von Studierenden und der Tierärzteschaft bei sozialen Netzwerken (91,9% vs. 69%) und IMs (55,9% vs. 24,5%). Alle Tools wurden hauptsächlich passiv und privat genutzt, im geringeren Maße auch für den Beruf und das Studium.Ausblick: Der Einsatz von Web 2.0 Tools ist sinnvoll, jedoch ist eine Vermittlung von Informations- und Medienkompetenz, Erstellung von Verhaltensregeln im Internet und Überprüfung von „user generated content“ essentiell.

[english] Objective: NOVICE (Network Of Veterinary ICT in Education, ), is a professional online social network for veterinarians, lecturers and students of veterinary medicine as well as for e-Learning advisers and others working in establishments that teach veterinary medicine. This study sets out to investigate to what extent German veterinarians, lecturers, students of veterinary medicine and e-Learning representatives would accept a specialist network, what requirements would have to be met by an online social network, how to use web 2.0 tools , and what advantages a specialist network could offer. Methodology: The investigation was carried out by analysing data from the Elgg platform database as well as using Google Analytics. Annual focus group surveys and individual interviews were carried out in order to perform an analysis of acceptance among network users.Results: 1961 users from 73 different countries registered on the NOVICE site between 1 September 2010 and 21 March 2012. Germany represents the biggest user group, with 565 users (28.81%). During this period, most individual hits on the website came from Germany too. In total, 24.83% of all members are active, while 19.22% of German members participate actively. In terms of gender, there are significantly more female members than male members, both in the NOVICE network as a whole as well as in Germany. The most used web 2.0 tools are chat and email messaging services as well as writing wikis and contributing to forum discussions. The focus group surveys showed that respondents generally make use of other online communities too. Active members generally use more web 2.0 tools than in other networks, while passive members are generally more reluctant in all networks. All participants of the survey welcomed the idea of having a network specifically set up for the profession and believe that it could be very useful for veterinary medicine.Conclusions: The network and its membership figures developed very positively during the assessed time period. Until now, the focus of the content of contributions in NOVICE (Network of Veterinary ICT in Education) has been on veterinary medicine teaching supported by e-Learning. An increase in the number of members would, however, be beneficial in order to further develop the network so that valuable exchange of information and informal learning can also take place in other specialist areas of veterinary medicine. [german] Zielsetzung: NOVICE (Network Of Veterinary ICt in Education, ) ist ein soziales professionelles online-Netzwerk für Tiermediziner, Dozierende und Studierende der Tiermedizin sowie für E-Learning-Berater bzw. Didaktiker der veterinärmedizinischen Bildungsstätten. In dieser Arbeit sollte untersucht werden, wie die Akzeptanz bei deutschen Tierärzten, Dozierenden und Studierenden der Veterinärmedizin sowie E-Learning-Beauftragten für ein fachspezifisches Netzwerk ist, welche Anforderungen durch die Nutzer an soziale online-Netzwerke gestellt werden, wie der Umgang mit Web 2.0-Werkzeugen , erfolgt und welches Potential ein berufsspezifisches Netzwerk bieten könnte. Methodik: Die Untersuchung erfolgte mittels Datenanalyse durch die Datenbank der Elgg-Plattform sowie zusätzlich mit google analytics. Jährliche Fokusgruppenbefragungen und Einzelinterviews wurden durchgeführt, um eine Akzeptanzanalyse der Netzwerk-Nutzer vorzunehmen.Ergebnisse: In NOVICE haben sich zwischen dem 01. September 2010 und 21. März 2012 1961 Mitglieder aus 73 Ländern registriert, dabei hat Deutschland mit 565 Nutzern (28,81%) den größten Anteil. In diesem Zeitraum kamen auch die meisten Einzelbesuche der Webseite aus Deutschland. Insgesamt sind im Netzwerk 24,83% aller Mitglieder und 19,22% der deutschen Mitglieder aktiv. In Bezug auf das Geschlecht befinden sich sowohl in Hinblick auf alle Mitglieder als auch auf die deutschen Mitglieder deutlich mehr Frauen als Männer in NOVICE. Die am häufigsten verwendeten Web 2.0-Werkzeuge sind das Versenden von Chat- und Email-Nachrichten sowie das Schreiben von Wiki- und Diskussionsbeiträgen. Aus den Fokusgruppenbefragungen ging hervor, dass von den Befragten in der Regel auch andere online-communities in Anspruch genommen werden, die aktiven Mitglieder mehr Web 2.0-Werkzeuge nutzen als in anderen Netzwerken, während die passiven Mitglieder in allen Netzwerken eher zurückhaltend sind. Über ein eigenes berufsständisches Netzwerk zu verfügen, begrüßten alle Teilnehmer der Befragung und sahen darin ein großes Potential für die Veterinärmedizin.Schlussfolgerung: Die Entwicklung des Netzwerkes sowie die Zahl der Mitglieder sind in diesem Zeitraum durchaus positiv zu bewerten. Bisher liegt der inhaltliche Fokus der Beiträge dem Namen des Netzwerkes (Network Of Veterinary ICt in Education) entsprechend auf der durch E-Learning unterstützten veterinärmedizinischen Lehre. Für die Weiterentwicklung des Netzwerkes wäre ein Zuwachs der Mitgliederzahl jedoch wünschenswert, damit in anderen veterinärmedizinischen Fachgebieten ebenfalls hochwertiger Informationsaustausch und informelles Lernen stattfinden können.

[english] The purpose of this study was to evaluate the benefits of checklists for clinical practical courses. Clinical externships are a component of the practical part of the veterinary medicine curriculum. The control is under the responsibility of the training centres. Guidelines and checklists for extramural clinical courses were developed in order to facilitate control mechanisms. The analysis of such checklists should give an overview over the actual situation to enable the setting of minimum standards for extramural courses. The guidelines list practical activities carried out by the students in the veterinary practices or clinics. Data of 360 checklists were assessed in this study to evaluate whether checklists constitute a useful tool to control extramural studies.The results show that checklists are useful to enhance the knowledge of the training centre about the training of students to be adapted. However, the advantage is not completely clear to students. The communication of the importance of the extramural training sessions has to be enhanced.[german] In der vorliegenden Studie soll der Nutzen von Checklisten für klinische Praktika überprüft werden. Im veterinärmedizinischen Studium sind im praktischen Studienteil extramurale klinische Praktika vorgesehen. Die Kontrolle obliegt dabei den Ausbildungsstätten. Um diese Kontrolle übersichtlich zu gestalten, wurden ein Leitfaden und Checklisten für klinische Praktika entwickelt. Die Auswertung soll das Erlangen einer Übersicht über die derzeitige Situation und die Schaffung von Mindeststandards bei der Praktikumsgestaltung gewährleisten. In den Leitfäden werden ausgeführte Tätigkeiten der Studierenden in den externen kurativen Praxen oder Tierkliniken aufgeführt. Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit wurden die Daten von insgesamt 360 Checklisten erhoben. Die Auswertung soll darüber Aufschluss geben, ob die Einführung von Checklisten eine sinnvolle Ergänzung für die Lehre darstellt. Die Ergebnisse verdeutlichen, dass mit Checklisten ein enormer Erkenntnisgewinn für die Hochschule zu erreichen ist, dieses Potential in der praktischen Anwendung jedoch häufig nicht vollständig ausgeschöpft wird und somit die Vermittlung ihrer Wichtigkeit zunehmende Bedeutung erlangt.

[english] As the result of the introduction of the TAppV (regulations governing the licensing of veterinarians), enormous growth of knowledge, and the continually changing conditions and uses of working and companion animals, the teaching of veterinary medicine is faced with new challenges. One of the solutions under discussion internationally would include a change from a general licensing program to a program of study with an early focus on one subject, i.e. specialization. The Veterinary Medicine Working Group of the GMA describes three types of curriculum (general license, tracking, postgraduate specialization), with all their advantages and disadvantages, as a basis for discussion within the veterinary medical fraternity. A precise description of the veterinary profession and a standardized list of learning targets (day-1 skills) will be necessary to advance this discussion. [german] Nach Einführung der TAppV, durch einen enormen Wissenszuwachs und durch laufende Änderung der Haltungsbedingungen unserer Nutz- und Haustiere befindet sich die Lehre in der Tiermedizin in einem Umbruch. Als eine der Problemlösungen wird international die Änderung des umfassenden Studiums in eine frühzeitige Spezialisierung diskutiert. Der Ausschuss Tiermedizin der GMA beschreibt drei Studienformen (Generalapprobation, Spezialisierung und Fachtierarztmodell) mit ihren Vor- und Nachteilen, um der Tierärzteschaft eine Diskussionsgrundlage für weitere Erörterungen vorzulegen. Als Grundvoraussetzung für ein weiteres Vorgehen werden die genaue Beschreibung des tierärztlichen Berufsbildes und die Entwicklung eines einheitlichen Lernzielkataloges gesehen.

[english] The introduction of a year of practice-oriented education should provide students of the University of Veterinary Medicine in Hanover greater integration in the clinical and scientific setting in order to gain “real-life” experience for their later profession before the end of their studies. This year replaces the old 9th and 10th semesters and builds a bridge between the well-organized and structured studies and the later profession. It includes internships outside the university in private practice, private clinics, slaughterhouses, etc., and a practical semester that can be completely at any time of the year in clinics and other institutes of the university. The online evaluation of this year has been positive. [german] Mit der Einführung des praktischen Jahres sollen die Studierenden der Tierärztlichen Hochschule Hannover (TiHo) stärker in den klinischen und wissenschaftlichen Alltag eingebunden werden, um schon vor Ende des Studiums praxisnahe Erfahrungen zu sammeln. Das praktische Jahr ersetzt das bisherige 9. und 10. Semester und bildet so die Überleitung zwischen dem eng organisierten Studium und der anschließenden beruflichen Laufbahn. Es beinhaltet die Praktika außerhalb der TiHo in Tierarztpraxen, Privatkliniken, Schlachthöfen, etc. und ein internes praktisches Semester, welches das gesamte Jahr über in den Einrichtungen der TiHo abgeleistet werden kann. Die Online-Evaluierung dieses Jahres verlief positiv.

Idiopathic generalized tremor syndrome is a disorder characterized by an acute onset of full-body tremors, sometimes accompanied by vestibulo-cerebellar signs, that is responsive to treatment with corticosteroids. Although considered to have an overall good outcome, relapsing and persistent mild clinical signs have been described. So far, little is known about the etiopathology of this syndrome, but it is believed to have an immune-mediated origin. In human medicine, description of numerous autoantibodies involved in certain noninfectious neurologic disorders has revolutionized understanding of their pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment. In this multicenter retrospective study, we aimed to describe the clinical signs, course, and outcome of dogs with idiopathic generalized tremor syndrome and correlate potential findings with the presence or absence of autoantibodies associated with autoimmune cerebellar syndromes in humans. Information regarding signalment, history, clinical signs, laboratory findings, diagnostic imaging and testing for regional infectious diseases was gathered and the remaining serum and CSF samples were then analyzed for neural antibodies against targets associated with autoimmune encephalitic diseases of humans. Thirty-three dogs were included, and screening for neural antibodies was performed in 30 of those dogs. The analysis showed an increased titer of mGluR1 antibodies in two dogs, GFAP and later in the course of disease mGluR1 antibodies in one dog and an increase in unspecific autoantibodies which could not be further classified in two dogs. Dogs with detectable neural autoantibodies always had cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities in the form of a pleocytosis, with or without increased protein concentration, and tended to present with hyperthermia, potentially indicating a more severe clinical form of idiopathic generalized tremor syndrome in these cases. In conclusion, idiopathic generalized tremor syndrome is proposed to be an immune-mediated disorder potentially mediated by neural autoantibodies in a subgroup of dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In daily veterinary practice, canine otitis externa is a common presentation and, therefore, many studies were conducted to evaluate predispositions. This study on the other hand aims to evaluate factors that have potentially statistically reduced risks for developing otitis externa. Regarding the results, Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Collies have shown significantly low odds for otitis externa. Furthermore, regarding dogs with endocrinopathies, it was shown that those who are overweight seem to develop otitis externa more likely than those with a normal weight. Especially the latter result should be used in communication with pet owners to point out the importance of strict weight management and, therefore, increasing the quality of life of their dogs. Background: Canine otitis externa is a common presentation in small animal practice. The clinical signs vary individually from patient to patient. Regardless of the expression, they all decrease the quality of life. Therefore, this study aimed to identify factors that showed reduced odds for otitis externa. Methods: Clinical case records were searched for key terms regarding canine otitis. Statistical analyses were applied to evaluate associations with otitis externa. p-values of <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Rhodesian Ridgeback and dogs with underlying infectious diseases had a reduced risk for otitis externa, while Retrievers and dogs with allergies had an increased risk. Furthermore, in the group of dogs with endocrinopathies, those with normal weight showed a reduced risk of developing canine otitis in comparison to those which were overweight. Conclusions: These results show a new point of view to reduce the prevalence of canine otitis by reducing the animals' weight due to an additional risk of otitis in obese or overweight dogs. Furthermore, for the first time, Rhodesian Ridgebacks were identified in our study population to have a lower risk of developing otitis externa. Thus, breeders should reflect—within other responsibilities for the quality of life in their offspring—on breed-specifics about otitis when planning ahead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study investigates the relationship between approaches to learning, self-perceived study burnout, and the level of knowledge among veterinary students. Veterinary educational programs are under regular development and would benefit greatly from detailed feedback on students' knowledge, proficiency, influencing factors, and coping mechanisms. Methods: The VetRepos consortium developed and calibrated an item repository testing knowledge across the entire veterinary curriculum. Two hundred forty-eight students from seven European veterinary institutions took the VetRepos test, comprising a subset of the repository. They also responded to a questionnaire assessing deep and unreflective learning approaches and self-perceived study burnout, represented by exhaustion and cynicism. Structural equation modeling analyzed the relationship between these latent traits and the VetRepos test score. Results: The model failed the exact-fit test but was retained based on global fit indices, inter-item residual correlations, and standardized residual covariances. Root Mean Square Error of Approximation with robust standard errors and scaled test statistic was 0.049 (95% confidence interval 0.033-0.071), scaled and robust Comparative Fit Index 0.95 (0.90-0.98), and scaled Standardized Root Mean Square Residual 0.056 (0.049-0.071). Measurement invariance across study years was not violated (ΔCFI = 0.00, χ² = 3.78, Δdf = 4, p = 0.44), but it could not be confirmed between genders or universities. The VetRepos test score regressed on the study year [standardized regression coefficient = 0.68 (0.62-0.73)], showed a negative regression on the unreflective learning approach [-0.25 (-0.47 to -0.03)], and a positive regression on the deep approach [0.16 (0.03-0.28)]. No direct association with perceived burnout was observed; however, a significant, medium-sized association was found between the unreflective approach and self-perceived study burnout. No significant differences in learning approaches or perceived burnout were found between study years. Discussion: The most important source of variance in VetRepos test scores, unrelated to the study year, was the learning approach. The association between the VetRepos test score and self-perceived burnout was indirect. Future research should complement this cross-sectional approach with longitudinal and person-oriented studies, further investigating the relationship between study burnout and learning approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The digitalization of university teaching has been taking place for many years and, in addition to traditional teaching formats such as practicals and face-to-face lectures, more and more e-learning courses have been used in veterinary education for several years. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, universities across Germany had to switch to an ad-hoc, purely digital summer semester. This study evaluated the experiences and implementation of the digital summer semester 2020 at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (TiHo) Foundation from the perspective of the teaching staff. In addition to the technical equipment used by lecturers, this survey also focused on the effects of the digital semester on teaching and the future practicality of digital teaching formats and strategies in veterinary education. Therefore, a questionnaire was designed and distributed among lecturers involved in the digital summer semester 2020. One hundred and three completed questionnaires were evaluated. The results of the evaluation show that teachers see huge potential in blended learning as a teaching method in veterinary education. In addition, teachers were able to digitize teaching well with the available hardware and software. The teaching staff saw difficulties above all in the loss of practical training and in the digitalization of practical exercises. Teachers also needed significantly more time to plan and implement digital teaching compared to pure face-to-face teaching. In summary blended learning offers many advantages, such as increased flexibility for students and teaching staff. In order to be able to use digital teaching methods and strategies profitably in veterinary education in the future, well thought-out didactic concepts and further technical expansion of the universities are required. In addition, the digital skills of teaching staff should be further trained and promoted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study investigates the log data and response behavior from invigilated in-person electronic timed exams at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Germany. The primary focus is on understanding how various factors influence the time needed per exam item, including item format, item difficulty, item discrimination and character count. The aim was to use these results to derive recommendations for designing timed online distance examinations, an examination format that has become increasingly important in recent years. Methods: Data from 216,625 log entries of five electronic exams, taken by a total of 1,241 veterinary medicine students in 2021 and 2022, were analyzed. Various statistical methods were employed to assess the correlations between the recorded parameters. Results: The analysis revealed that different item formats require varying amounts of time. For instance, image-based question formats and Kprim necessitated more than 60 s per item, whereas one-best-answer multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and individual Key Feature items were effectively completed in less than 60 s. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between character count and response time, suggesting that longer items require more time. A negative correlation could be verified for the parameters "difficulty" and "discrimination index" towards response time, indicating that more challenging items and those that are less able to differentiate between high- and low-performing students take longer to answer. Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for careful consideration of the ratio of item formats when defining time limits for exams. Regarding exam design, the literature mentions that time pressure is a critical factor, since it can negatively impact students' exam performance and some students, such as those with disabilities, are particularly disadvantaged. Therefore, this study emphasizes finding the right time limits to provide sufficient time for answering questions and reducing time pressure. In the context of unsupervised online exams, the findings of this study support previous recommendations that implementation of a stringent time limit might be a useful strategy to reduce cheating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Interprofessional learning is increasingly important across all health care sectors, including veterinary medicine. Communication with animal owners and within the team is considered a core competency. As communication courses have been offered mostly on a voluntary basis, we conducted an interprofessional learning course for veterinary practice professions in this study with the aim of integrating such a course in the curriculum in the long term. We measured the readiness using the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale before and after the course. While few significant changes emerged in the pre- and post-test comparison, more notable differences were observed in the evaluation of the 19 statements among different professions. The integration of interprofessional collaboration is becoming increasingly crucial in veterinary care settings, emphasising the need for interprofessional education (IPE) in veterinary programmes. This study explores the readiness for interprofessional learning among German veterinary students, apprentices and related occupations before and after an interprofessional communication course. It assesses the impact of this course on the participants' attitudes using the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS). The course, offered in two iterations, combined asynchronous online modules, live seminars and practical training elements. The RIPLS was administered before and after the course to gauge attitude shifts towards interprofessional learning. Statistical analyses, including McNemar, Cohen's Kappa and exact Fisher tests, were employed to compare pre- and post-test responses. Despite challenges in participant linking, significant findings emerged between the student and apprentice groups in specific areas of the RIPLS, notably in the "Professional Identity" subscale post-course. However, correlations between face-to-face contact and RIPLS ratings were not observed, suggesting a need for more integrated interprofessional learning experiences. While some limitations in sample size and profession distribution hinder generalisability, this study indicates a high receptiveness to interprofessional learning in veterinary education, emphasising the potential for attitude changes with more interactive participation and programme adjustments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]