Service-learning experiences can foster veterinary students' development of competence in the Competency-Based Veterinary Education Model.

Abstract

Service learning is an experiential form of learning that focuses on active community engagement followed by reflection. An emerging area of curricular interest and emphasis in veterinary education, service learning can provide opportunities for student training across the breadth of practice. In this review, we sought to examine the evidence of community impact and veterinary student outcomes following service-learning programs. Student outcomes were aligned with the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges' Competency-Based Veterinary Education (CBVE) Framework using domains of competence. To date, most studies provide evidence of outcomes through student surveys. Data collection was focused on Domain 5 (Communication) and Domain 6 (Collaboration), although there was some documentation of outcomes across all domains. In the future, inclusion of additional assessment measures of student performance, including direct measures, may allow for more robust understanding of the impact of service learning on student development of competence. Improved reporting of student and community outcomes is critical to assess the impact of service-learning activities during veterinary student training.