Evaluation of surgical confidence and competence with surgical EPAs after repeated use of low-fidelity training models in veterinary students

Background: The study aimed to evaluate if low-fidelity surgical training models increased students’ surgical confidence and competence and decreased procedural stress relating to core surgical entrustable professional activities (EPAs).Methods: Final-year students repeatedly performed one of three surgical EPAs on a low-fidelity surgical training model (canine castration, subcutaneous lump removal and eyelid laceration repair) and completed a survey at set time-points. A grading rubric was used to assess participant competence in performing the assigned EPA at 2 different time-points. Survey results and competency gradings were compiled and analysed.Results: Student self-assessed confidence increased, and stress decreased significantly between assessment points on all 3 EPA surgical training models. Graded competence significantly improved on all training models between the assessment points and most students deemed the model’s to be realistic and helpful for student practices.Conclusions: Repeated exposure to low-fidelity surgical training models, increased final-year students’ surgical confidence, competence and reduced procedural stress relating to 3 key surgical EPAs. Assessment of competence using a grading rubric, was successful and could be incorporated into a competence-based veterinary education assessment framework to allow screening of competence prior to graduation.Limitations: Limitations relate to the study involving a single cohort from a single institute and the reliance on student self-assessment.