Presentation Description
Annette Burgess1
Harish Tiwari2, Tyler Clark, Alexandra Green2, Jenny-Ann Toribio2, , Meg Vost2, and Navneet Dhand2,
1 The University of Sydney, Sydney Medical School
2 The University of Sydney
Harish Tiwari2, Tyler Clark, Alexandra Green2, Jenny-Ann Toribio2, , Meg Vost2, and Navneet Dhand2,
1 The University of Sydney, Sydney Medical School
2 The University of Sydney
Background
In 2022, The Asia Pacific Consortium of Veterinary Epidemiology (APCOVE) delivered 36 elearning modules, developed to support the training of field veterinarians in the region. Key competencies included: outbreak investigation and surveillance, data analysis, risk analysis, One Health, biosecurity and leadership. We explored the effectiveness of the program.
Summary of Work:
Delivered across 6-months, 139 veterinarians from 7 countries enrolled. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected by post-module, and pre- and post-competency questionnaires, and focus groups. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Knowledge acquisition was assessed for each competency.
Reslts
93/139 (67%) trainees completed all competencies. Seventy-four trainees from Philippines (n=28), Indonesia (n=18), Vietnam (n=16), Cambodia(n=3), PNG (n=3), Laos (n=3), Timor Leste (n=3) participated in focus groups. Trainees reported vast improvements in their perceived level of knowledge and skills, and application in the workplace. They valued the interactivity, knowledge checks, case scenarios and videos. They suggested the inclusion of local face-to-face sessions to complement online delivery and use of local language. The median assessment task score ranged between 85-90%.
Discussion
Our findings demonstrate that the APCOVE elearning program provided veterinarians with an excellent framework to develop their epidemiology skills. While geographical barriers to participation were mitigated by online delivery, the inclusion of face-to-face sessions, with opportunities for workplace practice should be considered. This will help to widen participation, increase engagement and build networks.
Our findings demonstrate that the APCOVE elearning program provided veterinarians with an excellent framework to develop their epidemiology skills. While geographical barriers to participation were mitigated by online delivery, the inclusion of face-to-face sessions, with opportunities for workplace practice should be considered. This will help to widen participation, increase engagement and build networks.
Conclusion
All modules will be made available internationally, and have been translated into 5 languages, ensuring that quality training resources are available to the animal health workforce. The addition of interactive synchronous sessions to guide trainees, answer their queries and build networks would be beneficial.
Take-home message
The APCOVE Field Veterinary Training program is evidence-based and available to help strengthen field veterinary epidemiology capacity in the Asia-Pacific region.
References (maximum three)
Asia Pacific Consortium of Veterinary Epidemiology (APCOVE). Sydney, Australia; 2021. www.apcove.com.au (accessed 3 May 2022).
Braun V, Clarke V. Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qual Res Psychol. 2006;3(2):77– 101. https://doi.org/10.1191/ 1478088706qp063oa
Jones DS, Dicker RC, Fontaine RE, Boore AL, Omolo JO, Ashgar RJ, Baggett HC. Building global epidemiology and response capacity with field epidemiology training programs. Emerging infectious diseases.2017; 23 (Suppl 1):S158.