The ethical, legal and professional implications of the frequency of inpatient checks during out of hours hospitalization

The concept of ‘out of hours’ veterinary care is not a new one. For as long as the industry has existed, provision has been made to ensure animals receive around the clock care. Currently, a number of different types of emergency provision are available, from individual practices providing care for their own clients, to specialist night service providers, who provide care around the clock for a number of practices. Moral, ethical and professional issues may arise centring on client expectation and the reality of inpatient checks which take place during overnight hospitalization.

Reasons for overnight hospitalization include: chronic illness; acute conditions; postoperative care; analgesia; and emergency admissions. Not all cases are necessarily comparable, nor need a similar amount of involvement or intervention overnight.

In order to ascertain information about client expectation, primarily relating to frequency of checks during hospitalization, a six item questionnaire was circulated among 50 individuals within Norfolk and Suffolk. All were pet owners, and none were involved in the veterinary industry, except as a consumer. Forty five completed questionnaires were returned, 8% of which were from participants directly known by the author, with responses being anonymous. The sample was randomized and included individuals located within the East of England only. Participation was optional and the reason for carrying out the survey and how the results would be published was explained in writing. The questions included were all open questions, to avoid leading the participants in any way. The findings are summarized in Table 1.