Stress Response of Veterinary Students to Gynaecological Examination of Horse Mares – Effects of Simulator-Based and Animal-Based Training.

This research investigates the stress response of veterinary students undergoing gynaecological examination training on horse mares. It compares the effects of simulator-based training and animal-based training, finding that simulator-trained students exhibit more stress during practical tests, despite their self-assessment suggesting otherwise.

Research Design and Methodology

• The study included two groups of students who received gynaecological examination training on horse mares four times. Group ‘H’ had training directly on horses and consisted of 14 students, while group ‘SIM’ utilized a teaching simulator and included 13 students.
• The students’ diagnostic skills were then tested on horses one day after training (skills test 1) and again 14 days later (skills test 2).
• To gauge the students’ stress response during these tests, measures such as heart rate, heart rate variability (SDRR and RMSSD parameters), and salivary cortisol levels were taken. The students also completed a questionnaire assessing their perceived stress level.

Key Findings

• During both skills tests, an increase in heart rate was observed in all students, indicating a sympathetic activation associated with stress. This increase was more pronounced in the SIM group in skills test 1.
• Heart rate variability (HRV) decreased for students in both groups, implying an increase in stress. Again, in skills test 1, this decrease was more substantial for the SIM group.
• High cortisol levels were found before the skills tests, suggesting an anticipatory stress response.
• According to the questionnaire, students’ subjective perception of stress was higher in skills test 1 compared to skills test 2. Interestingly, in skills test 2, the students who had trained directly on horses felt more stressed than simulator-trained students. This indicates a discrepancy between self-assessment of stress levels and physiological stress parameters.

Conclusion

• The researchers conclude that gynaecological examination of horse mares provokes a moderate stress response in veterinary students. This stress response is more apparent in students who underwent simulator-based training rather than animal-based training.

Implications

• This study suggests that while simulator-based training might seem like an effective stress-reducing alternative for teaching invasive procedures on animals, it may actually induce a higher stress response than traditional animal-based training. However, this stress might not be accurately perceived or reported by students themselves, highlighting a gap in self-assessment.