Cynthia SM Kura, Masters in Medical Education Leadership Program, University of New England

1. The Impact of Mobile Education on the Treatment of Dachshunds with Intervertebral Disc Disease [IVDD] Conclusion Cynthia SM Kura, Masters in Medical Education Leadership Program, University of New England Introduction 10-20% of dachshunds and other long-hound breeds will experience IVDD in their lifetime.1, 2This number will likely increase with the rise in puppy mills and distribution breeders. Unfortunately, there has not been a parallel growth in the specialty veterinary population, which underlines the importance of client education in the treatment process. The solutions to this problem are complex but must begin in education. Mobile learning [M-learning] has broadened the platform for client education. This flexible and effective technology is one tool that can be utilized to convey medical teaching.3,4Additionally, there is a need for change in the veterinary education system so that patient education is taught as a continuum, beginning with principles and theory and concluding with application to pet care. Project Overview Owners and general care veterinarians continually seek educational information, which would enhance the timely treatment of animals prone to IVDD. One tool that would augment this process would be the utilization of new technologies such as smart phones [iPhones or iPads]. The following factors will be key in assessing the usefulness of any mobile application: What information is necessary, What delivery system is appropriate, How the design and cost effects the utilization Literature References Results Jensen VF, Beck S, Christensen KA, Arnbjerg J. Quantification of the association between intervertebral disk calcification and disk herniation in Dachshunds. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 2008;233:1090–1095. Lorenz, Michael D, Coates, Joan R, and Kent, Marc (2011). Handbook of Veterinary Neurology (5th ed.). St Louis, MO: Saunders-Elsevier. Kim, S. (2006). The Future of e-Learning in Medical Education: Current Trend and Future Opportunity. Journal of educational evaluation for health professions, 3(3), 3. National Health Personnel Licensing Examination Board of the Republic of Korea. Retrieved from http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=2631188&tool=pmcentrez&rendertype=abstract DiMario, J. X., Fernyak, S. E., & Stockdale, F. E. (2008). Higher Education E-Learning Courseware : Pedagogical-Based Design and Development. International Journal, 362(6416), 1-7. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=8383807 Acknowledgements Thanks to: The DRBC Council: Jo Ann Whalen, Amy Repasy and Diane Dzikowski for their support and assistance throughout this program. Special thanks to Diane Dzikowski and Mary Ann Sprenkle for the insightful and timely editing. NorthStar VETS for veterinary input and support. Results Instruction via a mobile application goes well beyond the design of a colorful icon.  Accessing the full potential of this tool will require adherence to the same principles as any educational offering: Specific learning objectives, Sound technical resource, Commitment from all participants, Identification of all barriers to implementation, Appropriate use of communication tools, Clear design, Encouragement of self-learning techniques Clearly, the need and potential acceptance for application[s] that support the care of the family pet has arrived.  The key in the success of this concept lies in the points outlined above and in the development and implementation of a sound market vehicle.  Research Plan Assessing these three areas will establish the need for an application which addresses Intervertebral Disc Disease [IVDD]. This survey has been divided into 3 segments:Ownership and use of smartphones by hound owners; Current interaction and satisfaction of hound owners with their veterinarian; Need for a Smartphone application as a tool for improving owner - veterinarian interaction and hound care. Conclusion: Generally, owners feel as though their veterinarian does an adequate job of explaining the issues their pet[s] may face.  >80% found their veterinarians to be responsive to their questions and needs. Conclusion: Over 35% of all downloads are educationally based. This need for mobile education forms a sound basis for the development of an application which educates end users about IVDD. Note: Respondents had the option of choosing all possible categories for this inquiry. Conclusion: Over 86% of all users surveyed would have an interest in obtaining and using a smartphone tool that helped them improve their interaction with veterinarians and improve their animals health.