In Switzerland official veterinarians are trained in four main areas: Animal Health, Animal Welfare, Law and Communication and Food Safety and Drug Usage. Topics are taught as single modules of 5–9 days.
The training for official veterinarians takes place at a central location, and is organised by the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO). To improve cost-efficiency, alternatives to costly face-to-face workshops were considered, to allow veterinarians to participate and prepare for the modules from work or home. This would significantly reduce travel costs and allow trainees to study at their own pace and in their own language (Switzerland has four official languages) at a time of their choosing.
Initially a didactic concept was developed as the basis for the new learning format, identifying blended learning (a mix of face-to-face and online learning) as the best solution. A pilot online module was developed offering practically relevant and easy to understand information in six e-learning units. The content is provided in the form of podcasts, quizzes, case examples and calculations, as well as relevant reading material on a learning platform. The theory provided in the e-learning units is then be applied by the participants to solve a set of tasks and exercises during the face-to-face component of the training.
This project was delivered in collaboration with SAFOSO.
Epidemiology and veterinary public health, Training and learning