MEDEV

School of Medical Sciences Education Development

Writing effective scenarios for veterinary communication skills training

Date: 1 day event - 20 Feb 2008

Introduction

A need for new scenarios has been identified by NUVACS (National Unit for the Advancement of Veterinary Communication Skills) representatives from all the schools in the UK and Ireland. This is due to some of the scenarios having been around for a long time, and perhaps losing their relevance, and to new areas of difficulty being identified. There is also a need to develop a basic structure for writing scenarios, so that all have the same format. This will make working with simulated clients easier.

Aims

There have only been one or two people involved in developing scenarios in the past, and in view of the excellent collaborative spirit of NUVACS, this workshop will help to instill a feeling of 'ownership', particularly with newer members of the project. It will allow participants to develop scenarios in particular areas where they feel there is a gap in the current bank of scenarios. These gaps are often identified during teaching sessions, when other areas of difficulty may be raised by students. NUVACS has a particularly good track record of collaborative work and sharing resources with all (via an 'open access' web site, which is currently being redeveloped).

Activities

Small group work looking at the following topics:

• Developing a common format for scenarios
• Information required for each scenario, with input from an experienced 'simulated patient/client'
• Areas of deficiency in current scenario provision
• Group work to develop new scenarios
• How to evaluate new (and current) scenarios

Proposed outcomes

• A bank of new scenarios for communication skills training, available to all via the NUVACS web site (currently as Word docs, but may change to pdf files)
• Staff development in writing scenarios with clearly defined learning objectives, which will be made explicit on each scenario
• Continues the momentum and spirit of collaboration of the successful NUVACS project
• Allows work on new areas of difficulty with veterinary communication

Facilitator background

Carol Gray has been a Lecturer in veterinary communication skills since February 2003, member of NUVACS national steering group, responsible for facilitator training workshops at UK and Irish veterinary schools 2003-2005 (currently providing training for staff at Liverpool and RVC), achieved PG Cert in Medical Education in 2004, member of newly formed NUVACS executive group to take the project forward following the loss of VDS funding. Currently developing a new, updated version of the NUVACS web site to enable continued sharing of resources. Member of LIVE (RVC Centre for Excellence in Veterinary Education) team, although based at Liverpool. Involved in national facilitator training workshops via NUVACS since 2003.

Target audience

Veterinary communication skills educators, with a particular welcome extended to veterinary nursing educators.

Venue & Location

Resources

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