Preliminary Development and Evaluation of a Bovine Rectal Palpation Simulator for Training Veterinary Students

veterinary field, has been in progress at the University of Glasgow since 1999 (Crossan et al 2002). In this project, a training environment has been developed allowing a user to interact with generic ovaries of a large animal. Bovine rectal palpation is a procedure that requires considerable practice to develop the skills needed to identify structures. Additionally, when a student examines a cow the teacher is unable to observe what the student is palpating and can give only limited guidance. In the undergraduate curriculum there are difficulties associated with teaching rectal palpation. Access to cows is limited due to student numbers and animal welfare considerations (Penny 2002). Undergraduate students therefore perform the majority of rectal examinations while undertaking Extramural Studies (EMS). Students may perform their first examination of a cow during EMS with only minimal preparatory training in this invasive technique and it is difficult to ensure all students have the opportunity to develop adequately the required skills prior to graduation. There is a need to investigate ways of supplementing existing methods of training. A computer-based teaching tool has the potential to provide the student with a flexible and accessible learning environment. Furthermore, training students to develop basic skills in a risk free environment is advantageous to the welfare of the cow. Preliminary Development and Evaluation of a Bovine Rectal Palpation Simulator for Training Veterinary Students