Research

Reviewing the emotional climates of student veterinary nurses completing industry placements

Background: Student veterinary nurses (SVNs) are required to complete industry placements as part of their training. Veterinary nurse education helps prepare students theoretically and practically. This study examines how SVNs, from two cohorts of a foundation degree course in veterinary nursing from one education provider, felt during their industrial placement year and whether the preparatory support was sufficient during their time in veterinary practice. Aim: There is little reporting of...

Do ‘CARE’ labelled canine patients get a lower standard of nursing care?

Aggressive patients are labelled as ‘CARE’ within their clinical history and the quality of nursing care they receive may be compromised because of concerns for staff safety. The aim of this study was to investigate if a difference in the quality of nursing care exists between aggressive patients labelled as CARE and other patients not labelled as CARE, hoping to identify whether this suggested a breach of patient welfare. This study used a cross-sectional, observational survey distributed...

Are professionals receiving sufficient training in ‘feline friendly’ techniques?

Recognising stress in feline patients is imperative in promoting patient welfare and ensuring a safe experience for both the patient and veterinary worker. This study looked at whether veterinary professionals were confident at recognising stress in feline patients and whether they could adapt their handling methods accordingly. It also addressed whether veterinary workers were satisfied with the training they received on the subject during their qualifications. Finally, it looked at whether...

Leptospira spp. and Dirofilaria immitis in dogs in Tonga: a pilot study

Dogs are common in Tonga and exist in a close relationship with humans, both as free-ranging pets and guard dogs for domestic properties. Little is known about pathogens present in these animals, and this pilot study aimed to develop a methodology to identify the presence of zoonotic pathogens Leptospira spp. and Dirofilaria immitis (the causative agent of heartworm), in a sample of 82 dogs voluntarily presented to a spey/neuter clinic, using blood samples and point-of-care tests. No positive...

Dog owners’ awareness and use of dental homecare

Periodontal disease is prevalent in dogs in the UK, and has many negative consequences for the health and welfare of the affected individual. Despite techniques and products being available for owners to maintain good oral health, compliance is low. This study used a questionnaire to investigate dog owners’ awareness and use of dental homecare, and the influence of veterinary professionals, to establish if further educational intervention is required. Quantitative and qualitative analysis...

Burnout, compassion fatigue and moral distress in veterinary professionals

Veterinary professionals are becoming increasingly exposed to, and concerned about, burnout, compassion fatigue and moral distress. Work-related stress can have a significant impact on quality of life and contribute to poor mental health. Several studies have shown that emotional exhaustion and mental health illnesses are significantly higher among veterinary surgeons, with the rate of suicide in the veterinary profession four times the rate in the general public. There is an abundance of...

Soil contamination with Toxocara spp. eggs in public parks in the Midlands

Background: Soil contamination in public parks with Toxocara spp. eggs increases the risk of infection to both humans and animals.Aim: In this study, the hypothesis that soil samples in public parks within the East-Midlands region in England are contaminated with Toxocara spp. eggs was tested.Methods: A total of 405 soil samples were collected from 23 parks and nine associated play areas in three East Midlands cities, namely Nottingham, Leicester, and Derby. Soil samples were analysed using a...

Veterinary nurse skill utilisation in small animal practice

Aim: Confidence levels can be affected in individuals that do not clearly understand a job role; be it the employee, those that delegate to them or the owners of the patients that they treat. Determining how registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) are currently utilised in practice was one part of a study that looked at their overall preparedness to work within the veterinary environment. Methods: A vignette of the demographics of veterinary nurses was established and frequencies were determined...

Efficacy of automated hand sanitiser dispensers in a teaching hospital

Background: Alcohol-based hand sanitisers are routinely used in healthcare establishments worldwide to reduce infection transmission. The volume of sanitiser dispensed has been shown to affect the efficacy of the hand hygiene event. Aim: To assess whether the dispensed volume fulfils FDA requirements and if the implementation of a role in maintaining the sanitisers improved dispenser efficacy. Methods: Samples were collected from 15 automated dispensers in a veterinary teaching hospital....

The art of delegation: integration of the veterinary nursing assistant into New Zealand veterinary practice

Background: In 2016 veterinary nursing assistants (VNAs) were introduced as an additional tier to New Zealand veterinary practice. Aim: This study explores the utilisation of VNAs in New Zealand veterinary practices to ascertain the impact of an additional staffing layer to patient outcomes, workload management and staff wellness. Method: Through focus groups and semi-structured interviews with 30 participants, three themes emerged allowing evaluation of the Allied Veterinary Professionals...

Compassion fatigue, compassion satisfaction and burnout during a pandemic

Background: Work-related mental health issues in New Zealand are increasing yearly and impact on how employees are able to cope with day-to-day pressures and work productivity. Work-related mental health issues are especially prevalent during times of great stress such as the coronavirus pandemic. Aim: In this study, the prevalence of compassion fatigue, burnout and compassion satisfaction were assessed using the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) scale and a range of demographic and...

The role of social media in promoting organised dog fighting

Background: Organised dog fighting is a criminal activity in most developed countries. However, despite this, its occurrence continues. As with many underground activities, social media is likely to play a critical role in promoting organised dog fighting. Aim: The study aim was to review video content on three social media platforms to look for evidence of organised dog fighting. Methods: A content review of three social media platforms (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram) was conducted. Videos...

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