title: Stress Response of Veterinary Students to Gynaecological Examination of Horse Mares - Effects of Simulator-Based and Animal-Based Training.
abstract: Invasive procedures in animals are challenging for veterinary students who may perceive a gynaecological examination of mares as stressful. Simulator-based training may reduce stress. In this study, students received equine gynaecology training 4 times either on horses (group H; n = 14) or a teaching simulator (group SIM; n = 13). One day and 14 days thereafter, their diagnostic skills were tested on horses (skills tests 1 and 2). During the skills tests, the students' stress response was analysed by heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV) parameters SDRR (standard deviation of beat-to-beat [RR] interval) and RMSSD (root-mean-square of successive RR differences), and salivary cortisol. In addition, students answered a questionnaire on their perceived stress. Sympathetic activation with increased heart rate (p < 0.001) occurred in both skills tests. In test 1, this increase was more pronounced in SIM than in H students (time × group p < 0.01). HRV decreased in students of both groups (p < 0.001). In skills test 1, this decrease was more pronounced for SIM than for H students (between groups and time × group p < 0.01 for SDRR and p < 0.05 for RMSSD). High cortisol concentrations before the skills tests may indicate an anticipatory stress response. Subjective stress perception of students was higher in skills test 1 vs 2 (p < 0.01). In skills test 2, H students felt more stressed than SIM students (p < 0.01). Self-assessment thus differed from physiological stress parameters. In conclusion, gynaecological examination of mares evoked a moderate stress response in veterinary students, which was more evident after simulator-based than animal-based training.
authors: Centre for Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, University of Veterinary Sciences, Vienna, Austria.
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Nagel
authors: Centre for Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, University of Veterinary Sciences, Vienna, Austria.
authors: N
authors: N
authors: Ille
authors: Centre for Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, University of Veterinary Sciences, Vienna, Austria.
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Erber
authors: Centre for Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, University of Veterinary Sciences, Vienna, Austria.
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Aurich
authors: Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Veterinary Sciences, Vienna, Austria.
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Aurich
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002983:Clinical Competence; D051517:Digital Rectal Examination / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D004520:Education, Veterinary / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005836:Genitalia, Female / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D058869:Gynecological Examination / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D006339:Heart Rate; D006736:Horses; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000032:analysis; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry; D000066908:Simulation Training; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000662:veterinary; D014730:Veterinary Medicine / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D006854:Hydrocortisone