References
Legal and ethical considerations when undertaking veterinary nurse research
Abstract
Establishing a unique body of knowledge to define veterinary nursing as a profession is a key role of nursing research, but how that research is undertaken in terms of professionalism, ethics, welfare and law will help shape nurses’ professional identity. Consideration and protection of those individuals who are the subjects of research is the fundamental part of research ethics. Although certain regulations and processes seem burdensome they need to be in place to protect the animal, client and the nursing profession as a whole. Research involving recognized acts of veterinary nursing will always prioritize animal welfare but there are many other aspects to consider too. Most importantly to research ethics is open discussion, there is potential room for further guidance from regulators and the formation of a centralized ethical review committee for general practice.
One defining attribute of a profession is that its members possess a unique body of knowledge, in burgeoning professions definition of this unique knowledge is allusive (Hall, 2012). The multifaceted nature of nursing renders a single definition insufficient to capture the breadth of the role, and the area of knowledge that uniquely defines their field remains ill defined. Establishing that unique body of knowledge is the role of nursing research. How that research is undertaken in terms of professionalism, ethics, welfare and law will help shape nurses’ professional identity. This paper discusses some of the research specific legal, regulatory and ethical considerations.
While seeking statutory protection of the title of veterinary nurse, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) outlined the role of the veterinary nurse (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, 2011 annex A). They highlighted that one key aspect is to ‘establish best practice through evidence-based nursing research’. The veterinary nurse role crosses from patient care to client care and includes the specific clinics, such as geriatric or obese clinics, managed by nursing staff. Their unique position in all these areas offers opportunity to determine and inform the gold standard in veterinary nursing. Ethical considerations ensure the research is conducted for the patient’s best interests and to uphold the professional standard.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting The Veterinary Nurse and reading some of our peer-reviewed content for veterinary professionals. To continue reading this article, please register today.