The RCVS Charitable Trust has released the results of a survey that suggests a lack of available, high-quality research could be hampering the implementation of evidence-based medicine (EVM) in veterinary practice.
Of the 70 survey respondents, although 70% said they were familiar with the concepts of EVM, only 36% said that they always used EVM principles or that EVM principles were deeply embedded within their practices. When asked about the barriers to implementing EVM, many vets commented that there was a lack of high-quality research available to them.
Trust director, Cherry Bushell said: "This survey was relatively small as our intention is for it to help spark discussion at our forthcoming symposium 'The Sceptical Vet: Eminence or Evidence? Finding the best way forward for the veterinary profession'. We want to consider the possibility of developing a range of evidence-based resources for the veterinary profession, so it's interesting to hear vets commenting about the lack of an available, high-quality evidence base."
All those completing the Trust's survey were entered into a prize draw for a chance to have their travel expenses to the event reimbursed. Veterinary surgeon Ariel Brunn (top right) from Vets Now, Maidenhead, was the winner. She said: "I'm really looking forward to this Symposium and the discussion that will come with it - along with clinical governance, evidence-based practice provides a means to offer the best care for our veterinary patients. Having been a practising vet for less than 5 years, I'm excited to learn more about how EVM can be incorporated into veterinary practice and I'm certainly pleased to have won the prize draw to support my travel to this event."
This symposium will take place on Tuesday 30 October 2012, at Church House Conference Centre, London. A limited number of places are still available for practising veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses only via the Trust (a.doorly@rcvstrust.org.uk or 0207 202 0741). For more information visit http://trust.rcvs.org.uk/grants-and-collaborations/the-sceptical-vet-eminence-or-evidence.
The event, which was cancelled last year because of the Covid-19 pandemic, is the first opportunity for the profession to get back together after the past two turbulent years. To mark BEVA’s 60th Birthday, special celebrations are in the pipeline as well as the 13th International Equine Colic Symposium taking place during the event.
BEVA President Lucy Grieve said: "We are all so excited that BEVA Congress is back this year, albeit that it will be a little bit different. You can expect the same event we all know and love but with a few new measures in place to ensure we can all stay safe during these uncertain times. We are also offering a virtual option for those that can’t attend in person, so that no one misses out.”
Congress Committee co-chair Tim Barnett said: “My co-chair Ceri Sherlock and I have been working hard over the past few months to put together a programme that rivals anything we’ve had before. You can expect lectures, discussion and debates on a number of topics including learning from mistakes, working in teams, and a dedicated stream of nursing lectures.”
This year Lucy has selected teamwork as the theme for BEVA Congress 2021, in celebration of the Association’s 60th anniversary. She said: “In modern day veterinary medicine, no one person can satisfactorily deliver all that is required.
“Without a team approach, from vets, nurses, practice managers, farriers and paraprofessionals the potential to maximise the health and welfare of horses cannot be fulfilled.
"This year, we intend to celebrate 60 years of teamwork and how we can do far more to serve our patients as a harmonious team than if we work alone.”
Early bird tickets for BEVA Congress are available from 19th April until 16th August 2021. Tickets provide access to all three lecture halls and exhibition halls as well as the virtual congress hub. They also include a complimentary ticket to the 13th International Equine Colic Symposium.
Early bird BEVA member prices are £499 for vets and £187 for vet nurses for all 3 days (with concessions available for those in their first three years of graduation or on a lower salary). Virtual tickets are £99 for BEVA members.
BEVA has introduced a 'peace of mind' bookings policy to reassure those whose personal situation may change between booking their ticket and the event.
Full details of the BEVA Congress programme will be announced shortly. To find out more and to book your tickets visit http://www.bevacongress.org/
The book contains 40 chapters of articles about clinical techniques, diagnostic pathways and management approaches published in Companion between 2016 and 2020.
Editor of Companion, Samantha Taylor said: “At Companion we strive to produce well-illustrated, practical articles to help vets and VNs in practice face the day-to-day challenges of a varied caseload. We hope this collection meets our aims by covering a variety of clinical problems from hypercalcaemia in cats to managing the snuffly rabbit, from Leishmaniasis to lymphoma and many more.
Ian Ramsey (BSAVA Senior Vice President) said: “This collection represents a unique body of well-illustrated work prepared by experts from all around the UK and beyond. I would like to thank them all on behalf of BSAVA members and readers of this book for taking the time and care to develop these resources for their colleagues around the world.”
Samantha added: “Whether kept on the shelf for when needed or thumbed through over a cup of tea, we hope that within the pages of this new volume you find a useful tip or technique that helps.”
The How to…collected articles from BSAVA Companion (2016–2020), 3rd edition has been published as a BSAVA member loyalty reward gift for those eligible veterinary members who renew their membership this year.
The book is also available to buy from the BSAVA website www.bsava.com/shop priced at £20.
CEVA Animal Health has launched a double-sized version of Cyclo Spray, the company's chlorotetracycline-based treatment for the clinical symptoms of foot rot in sheep and digital dermatitis in cattle.
CEVA says that Cyclo Spray's superior spray performance makes it very cost-effective: the aerosol generates a narrow, condensed spray with limited dispersion for accurate application and minimal drip. The spray adheres cleanly and dries fast on the treatment area, to ensure that the antimicrobial has maximum efficacy within the shortest possible spray time.
CEVA adds that each spray of Cyclo Spray covers the skin with a concentration of chlorotetracycline that is thousands of times greater than is actually required to kill the causative bacteria.
The original size can is also available if required.
For further information contact CEVA Animal Health Ltd, 90 The Broadway, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 1EG.
Davies Veterinary Specialists has announced that it will be launching a new referral service in the heart of London at an event being held at the Institute of Physics at 7:00pm on 15th February.
As part of the preparations, the multi-discipline referral centre has published a very polished video which you can view here.
The launch event includes some free CPD: "Challenges in Urology", together with drinks and nibbles.
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica has launched Pexion (imepitoin) a novel treatment for canine idiopathic epilepsy.
Canine epilepsy can affect up to 5% of dogs6. In most dogs diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy no underlying cause for the seizures can be found. While the condition can affect any dog, it is more common in young (one to five year old), purebred dogs such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Boxers, Vizlas, Beagles, English Springer Spaniels, Irish Setters, Poodles and Dachshunds.
Boehringer says Pexion has a highly targeted mode of action1-3 to suppress a dog's seizures. It starts to work within a few hours and reaches steady state within three days4,5. Boehringer claims this will make it easier to stabilise epileptic patients. It also says there is no evidence of hepatotoxicity or liver-associated enzyme elevation, so repeated blood tests for liver enzymes or therapeutic levels are no longer required.4,5
Pexion is available in 100 mg and 400 mg tablets. The tablets are white, scored and divisible in half. Both tablet strengths are available in 100 tablet packs from veterinary wholesalers.
Jemima Mead, brand manager at Boehringer said: "Pexion is a ground-breaking new product which gives vets a new first-line treatment option for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy, improving the lives of newly diagnosed epileptic dogs and their owners by reducing the number of seizures and their impact on the patient's life".
To support the launch of the new product, Boehringer hosted an epilepsy webinar presented by neurologist Dr Holger Volk DVM PhD DipECVN FHEA MRCVS, recognised RCVS and European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology. The webinar is now available on demand at www.bi-academy.co.uk.
For further information on Pexion visit www.pexion.co.uk, contact your local Boehringer Ingelheim territory manager or telephone +44 (0)1344 746959.
References
The European Board of Veterinary Specialisation (EBVS) has announced that it has approved the creation of a new European College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ECVECC).
The 10 Founding Diplomates will comprise the Organising Committee of Amanda Boag, Joris Robben and Nadja Sigrist along with Sophie Adamantos, Marcel Aumann, Andrew Brown, Dan Chan, Cristina Fragio, Isabelle Goy-Thollot and Francoise Roux.
Amanda Boag, Chair of the Organising Committee said: "This is the final milestone for achieving recognition for Emergency and Critical Care as a defined speciality within Europe.
"Over the last 10 years, ECC has grown within Europe and especially the UK. Academic institutions, notably the RVC, have supported and developed ECC through their student and post graduate education.
"Commercial companies such as Vets Now have also grown and have strong internal training programmes such as the Cutting Edge.
"There are multiple opportunities for those working in practice to obtain further skills in this area with the RCVS certificate and the BSAVA/Vets Now ECC certificate and it is fantastic that we will now be able to offer European Diploma training programmes in the UK.
"Alongside this, opportunities for our nursing colleagues are growing including a large number of nurses registered for the City and Guilds Nursing Certificate in ECC delivered by Vets Now.
"Creating a European College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care is the last piece of the jigsaw puzzle and the Organising Committee are delighted that all the hard work of those who have been involved with the development of ECC in Europe has paid off."
The College will be formally launched at the EVECCS Congress in Prague (www.eveccs2014.org) in June.
MSD Animal Health has announced the launch of The Big Tick Project, both to investigate whether ticks are carrying more pathogens and to raise awareness amongst the public.
The company highlights research which shows that nationally, tick distribution has expanded by 17% in the last 10 years and tick numbers have also increased in 73% of locations surveyed.1 In addition, the company says there is evidence that ticks are feeding earlier in the year and feeding for longer2, thus increasing their potential to pass on significant disease to both animals and humans. Lyme disease in particular can be serious health issue for both humans and animals, being increasingly recognised and recorded in the UK recent years3.
So, as part of the project, practices are being invited to collect ticks and send them to the University of Bristol for analysis. In addition, there'll be a national PR and marketing campaign fronted by the naturalist Chris Packham (pictured right).
Practices taking part in the project will receive a tick collection kit and marketing support pack including access to dedicated PR services, postcards and posters to raise awareness of ticks within their clinic and local community. The collection kit includes instructions, collection equipment and Freepost packaging to allow ticks removed from dogs to be sent to the university quickly and easily.
Professor Richard Wall from University of Bristol said: "For accurate results we need as many ticks as possible and I really encourage vet practices up and down the country to get involved. We need data from all types of practices ranging from urban to rural locations to help vets and human health professionals make more effective recommendations and help prevent tick-related disease."
To take part in The Big Tick Project, email a contact name and your practice details to: info@bigtickproject.co.uk.
The course starts in October 2019 and lasts 12 months.
The programme is based around nine days of expert-led small group hands-on practical sessions at CPD Solutions' Training Centre near Birmingham, where participants will develop their existing dentistry skills and learn new techniques.
The company says decision-making is a key focus, as is reflective application of new skills in practice.
CPD Solutions says its PgCerts have unique benefits and differences from other options available, specifically that:
its courses have a stronger emphasis on practical training with all attendance sessions of a practical nature, and no lecture days.
its attendance days are grouped into three sessions rather than the more common monthly attendance.
its programme runs for 12 months, as opposed to many of the alternatives which run for 2-5 years.
Susie Coughlan, Managing Director at CPD Solutions, said: "Our experience is that vets get the most out of hands-on practical training in a structured and supportive environment, combined with reflective application of their new skills in practice.
"We set out to replicate this with the new PgCert in Small Animal Dentistry – all attendance sessions are practical, and the course provides support for developing reflective work-based learning that vets can then use throughout their careers. The format is in keeping with the RCVS CPD focus on outcomes based learning and critical reflective practice."
For more information, ring 0151 328 0444 or visit www.pgcertdent.com
The Dairy Vet of the Year award, which is organised by the British Dairying Magazine and sponsored by Krka UK Ltd, recognises a veterinary surgeon for going the extra mile in helping to create a more positive, forward-thinking dairy industry.
In addition to her work as a farm vet, Sarah is also Technical Director at the TB Advisory Service (TBAS), which involves her overseeing and delivering training for new advisors, chairing technical board meetings and delivering farmer meetings across the country. She also provides bespoke advice to farmers in High Risk and Edge Areas of England, and is known for her compassion and understanding for those suffering a TB breakdown.
She is also a member of the TB Eradication and Advisory Group (TBEAG) for England, which advises government policy makers on all aspects of TB control in England.
Lindsay Heasman, Project Manager at TBAS, said: “Sarah is an authority on TB and understands the responsibility that comes with this role. She uses her position for good at all times and is prepared to make statements that are not always universally popular. By standing by her beliefs and dispelling misconceptions, she has won the respect of farmers across the country. Her dedication has, at times, come at personal cost, but her passion for eradicating bTB and support for farmers in achieving this goal never wavers.”
Sarah said: “I am just a farm vet doing the same job every farm vet does daily across the country. Through necessity, seeing my clients being devastated by TB breakdowns every day, I felt passionate about doing something about it. TBAS, my colleagues I am lucky to work with, and TBEAG have given me the platform to do this. I am very humbled that the judges though me worthy of the Award amongst the other hard-working vets."
Photo: Giles Brandreth, Charlotte Read, Sarah Tomlinson and Sean Sparling
Enalees offers a variety of point-of-care isothermal PCR animal diagnostics tests for canine, feline and equine infectious diseases, including parvo, leptospirosis, babesiosis and borreliosis.
The company says its tests are highly specific and sensitive and can detect the presence of a virus, parasite or microbe at a very early stage, without the use of expensive and complex equipment, within 30 minutes.
Lauren Craig is the General Manager of the new subsidiary. She said: “I will be coordinating the launch of the UK subsidiary and working with veterinary professionals to deliver Enalees’ unique portfolio offering in diagnostic testing and in clinic rapid PCR tests.
“I am incredibly excited for the challenge ahead and looking forward to working with a fantastic team with an important mission in this key market.”
www.enalees.com
The VCMS, which is administered by Nockolds Solicitors, was formally launched by the RCVS as an alternative dispute resolution service in October 2017 following a year-long trial.
The aim of the service is to resolve, by mediation, disputes between clients and veterinary practices that do not meet the threshold of serious professional misconduct that is needed for the RCVS to investigate a concern through its formal processes.
Since the service’s trial, which started in October 2016, the VCMS has given preliminary mediation advice on how to resolve a case in more than 1,700 instances with over 580 cases having gone to full mediation of which 89% have concluded with a resolution.
Eleanor Ferguson, RCVS Registrar and Director of Legal Services, said: "From the perspective of both the public and the profession, the establishment of the VCMS has been a "win-win" situation. For the public it has provided them with an additional route to solve those complaints which wouldn’t cross the threshold to progress in the concerns investigation process.
"For the profession it has provided a more appropriate format for resolving a client dispute that doesn’t involve the time, effort and formal process of an RCVS investigation for those cases that will never amount to serious professional misconduct. I think this has been demonstrated by the fact that the vast majority of the profession are willing to engage with the VCMS process, even though it is entirely voluntary.
"The VCMS has also had a positive impact on the College and its concerns investigation process, allowing us to focus greater resources on those cases that do meet our threshold of serious professional misconduct. This has had a very clear impact on the speed with which we either close cases or move them on to the next stage of consideration by the Preliminary Investigation Committee (PIC), which, again, is important to both the public and the profession."
The College says that around 90% of cases investigated at Stage 1 of the process are now either closed or referred to PIC within four months – the College’s key performance indicator at this stage. This compares to around 50% of these cases being closed or referred within four months at Stage 1 in 2016.
The College also says that in total (including both preliminary and full mediation cases), 86% of the cases dealt with by VCMS were successfully mediated and feedback from both clients and veterinary practices has been largely positive. In client feedback from the third quarter of 2018, 93% said they would use the VCMS again and 79% considered it to be fair, while the equivalent figure amongst veterinary practices was 94% and 87% respectively.
Jennie Jones, a partner at Nockolds Solicitors who heads up the VCMS, said: "It is a good sign that mediation is largely working as it should when both parties are reporting similar satisfaction rates and we pride ourselves on negotiating resolutions that are acceptable and beneficial for both the clients and the practices.
"It is great to see that our efforts are also having an impact on the RCVS concerns investigation system by allowing it to concentrate on more serious cases."
More information about the RCVS concerns investigation process, including the different stages of an investigation, can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/concerns
Further information about the VCMS can be found on its website at www.vetmediation.co.uk or by calling 0345 040 5834.
Developed in partnership with the Veterinary Client Mediation Service (VCMS), the course uses practical examples based on real-life experiences.
The course shows how to assess complaints from a client’s perspective and how building client relationships can help defuse complaints.
Jennie Jones, Head of VCMS, said: "Leveraging insights from the VCMS and involving our entire team with its production has enabled us to develop highly effective materials that ensure veterinary professionals are well-equipped to manage complaints."
The course takes one hour to complete.
academy.rcvs.org.uk
Sureflap, the microchip pet door company has teamed up with animal behaviourist Jon Bowen MRCVS to provide a free CPD-qualifying presentation about improving cats' quality of life with simple modifications to their environment.
In the 45-minute webinar Jon explains how the domestic environment impacts on the cat's territory and the stress this creates. He also offers practical advice on how owners can make the space feel safer for the pet.
To view the webinar go to www.sureflap.co.uk/vet/cpd/territory-stress. Complete the quiz at the end, and you'll be sent a CPD certificate.
Invicta Animal Health has launched SynVet-50, a licensed synthetic Sodium Hyaluronate (HA), for intra-articular treatment of lameness caused by joint dysfunction associated with non-infectious synovitis in horses.
The product is Invicta's first licensed medicine.
According to the company, the functional mechanisms of HA are directly dependent on the molecular weight and concentration of HA. 1 Therefore, SynVet-50 has been formulated with a molecular weight of 1.5m Daltons which is the highest of any synthetic HA available in the UK.
Invicta says that at 20mg per ml, SynVet-50 is also the most concentrated HA available.
Storage is at ambient temperature.
SynVet-50 is a 2.5ml solution containing 50mg HA, conveniently presented in a 5ml glass syringe.
Rob Watkins, Managing Director of Invicta said: "We are excited to be launching our first licensed medicine in the UK. The management team of Invicta have over 10 years experience in this market which has allowed us to provide a product strongly focussed on the clinicians needs, not just in terms of technical ability, but also in convenience of presentation".
For further information see www.invictavet.com or phone 01403 791313
Reference
The university says it has implemented a range of health and safety measures to meet Government guidelines and allow for the controlled return of 150 first-year undergraduate students to its Sutton Bonington campus.
Since the latest cohort joined the university at the height of the UK lockdown, the school has delivered a programme of technology-assisted Fresher’s Week and teaching activities.
However, the return of the April cohort will enable face-to-face teaching that cannot be delivered remotely, specifically essential animal handling and health and safety skills required before students can embark on the work experience element of their course.
The practical sessions will form part of a blended approach to learning, with other lectures and tutorial support continuing to be delivered remotely to reduce the number of students in teaching buildings at any one time.
Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science Professor Gary England said: “We have missed being on campus with our students tremendously during the coronavirus lockdown and we are excited to be welcoming this cohort to Sutton Bonington in July.
“The health and safety of our students and staff has remained our top priority and has been at the heart of our planning process. Colleagues from across the university have been working intensively on the intricate detail required to ensure that adequate social distancing and hygiene measures are in place to allow this first step in a return to campus.”
Among the measures which have been introduced are:
The university says the return of its vet school cohort and the re-starting of face-to face-education at University of Nottingham Ningbo China at the end of April, where 5,000 students are now back on campus, will form the blueprint for the return of the majority of students to its UK campuses when the new academic term begins on 21 September.
For the trial, the company has partnered with Pennard Vets in Kent, where they're using Google Glass to transmit what the practitioner sees straight to the consulting experts at VetCT.
The remote VetCT specialist is able to view and remotely record, zoom, adjust lighting, annotate and send images back for the wearer of the glasses to view.
They are also able to discuss the case live with team in the clinic.
As part of the trial, images streamed via the glasses are being compared against those shot on a higher resolution mobile phone.
Director and Innovation Lead at VetCT, Julien Labruyère said: “We have a tremendous resource of specialist knowledge and expertise within our global team, and are exploring new ways to maximise the potential benefits of real-time clinical mentoring, teaching and case support.
"This first step we have taken with Google Glass marks the start of an exciting journey to make smart glasses technology useful to help vets in practice."
Caroline Collins, Director at Pennard Vets, said: “Trialling the glasses has been a fascinating exercise. We’re now looking at cases where we could see the most benefit from real-time specialist feedback and hands-free capability. It could be a real game-changer in some situations, for example with remote guidance of patient examinations or complex procedures.”
To learn more about VetCT visit www.vet-ct.com.
Cornerstone Veterinary Clinic, which was founded by Peter Herold in 2011, currently employs a 15-strong team, who are all now practice owners and shareholders in the business.
Peter got the inspiration from reading about how Pennard Vets had become the world’s largest employee-owned practice in order to protect both its independence and core values.
He then contacted the directors at Pennard Vets, who helped guide him through the process.
Peter said: “After starting Cornerstone 11 years ago, we have developed a longstanding, loyal and dedicated team who are all very popular with our established client base across Belfast and beyond.
"I genuinely love Cornerstone, and so do our team and clients, and although I’m not ready to retire yet, the end of my professional life will come in the next decade, so I wanted to start planning for it.
“The obvious option would be to sell the practice to a corporate chain, but I knew that would change how we worked.
"There would be much more emphasis on profit levels, and we’d be forced to make decisions that we were uncomfortable with.
"We have an amazing team who are full of ideas about how to make Cornerstone even better and to guarantee a successful future, the practice needs to continue growing in a way that works for its people, our clients and their pets.
“When I read about Pennard Vets becoming an EOT, it immediately resonated with me, and I hoped it could be an option for Cornerstone.
"I then attended a webinar with speakers from Pennard Vets, and I kept in touch with them afterwards.
"They explained the set-up and how it benefits their team, as well as putting us in touch with specialists in EOTs.
"Ultimately it was Pennard Vets’ knowledge and enthusiasm that convinced me it was the right route for us.”
Peter added: “Our senior team at Cornerstone are all very skilled and share common values in relation to customer service, veterinary care and client charges, and it’s this ethos that makes us popular with clients.
“Making the business an EOT will ensure this continues by safeguarding the future of the business, whilst giving each member of the team the benefit of being a business owner without them having to buy in.
"It also means I can continue to work as a vet, but share the management side of the practice with the entire team who can help to make the important decisions, which is an exciting prospect for everyone involved.”
Matthew Flann from Pennard Vets said: “We became an EOT to maintain our independence and give everyone in our team both autonomy and a voice, as well as preserving our core values around compassion, client focus and continually improving everything we do.
"This came at a time when it’s increasingly difficult for vets to buy into practices and the traditional partner progression model no longer works, which makes EOTs even more appealing and a positive step for the profession as a whole.
“It’s been genuinely transformational for Pennard Vets, and we now regularly hear from practice owners who are exploring becoming an EOT.
"There are now several other successful businesses currently on the journey and when Peter contacted us, we were happy to offer our help and guidance.
"Cornerstone is a successful practice, with a highly skilled and dedicated team, so its independence is worth protecting, and becoming an EOT will give it a bright future.”
The Association says it has produced the leaflet after seeing an increasing number of dogs diagnosed with clinical or subclinical infection, along with reports of its zoonotic impact.
The document outlines the most important considerations concerning B. canis including transmission, diagnosis, management, public health implications and legislative requirements.
It takes into consideration information available from relevant Government Departments.
BSAVA says the document is by no means exhaustive but is intended to provide useful information and signpost to further resources.
www.bsavalibrary.com/brucella_canis
Photo: Walker16/Wikipedia. CC BY-SA 4.0.
Cystease® S, CEVA Animal Health's urinary tract support product for cats, is now available in a new 100 tablet pack size for greater convenience to the practice.
CEVA`s small animal veterinary advisor Fraser Broadfoot said: "Previously Cystease® S was only available in 300 tablet packs. The new 100 tablet pack size makes the product easier to store in the practice and easier to dispense to clients."
To help vets gain easy access to information on Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD), CEVA Animal Health have also produced a highly informative technical review on the subject. Produced in conjunction with Professor Danielle Gunn-Moore, head of the feline clinic at the University of Edinburgh, the eight-page, colour brochure contains practical information on the clinical signs, diagnosis and treatment of FLUTD and also includes behavioural advice on reducing stress in cats, which can be a major cause of FLUTD.
To receive a free copy of CEVA's FLUTD technical review and for further information on Cystease® S, please contact Fraser Broadfoot MRCVS on 01494 781510, CEVA Animal Health Ltd, 90 The Broadway, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 1EG.
Pfizer has repeated it's call for veterinary practice staff to take part in its Vet Support+ independent, industry-wide survey of employee engagement.
The survey gives practice team members, who are not partners or owners, the chance to have their say about their role and career and the future of the profession. Participants are asked to consider how they feel towards their practice and delve into issues on teamwork and communication, management techniques, personal development opportunities and working environment.
More than 3,000 vet practice staff have already completed the survey, a phenomenal early response which suggests practice employees are keen to have their voices heard. However, the closing date for the survey isn't till Friday 29th July, so if you haven't yet had a chance to do the survey, there is still time.
Pfizer Business Consultant, Vanessa Wilson, has more than 20 years experience helping businesses, teams and individuals achieve their goals. She is not surprised at the significant early response: "Questions on the level of employee engagement and satisfaction come up all the time in the work we do with practices. I'm not surprised that staff are using this opportunity to have their voice heard.
"Once completed, this survey will provide some very useful data and direction for the industry as a whole and I'd like to think it will identify opportunities for both individual career development and practice growth."
All members of staff employed within a practice who have not received a mailing and wish to participate are welcome to respond online. http://www.noesis-mi.com/surveys/employeesurvey/.
Pfizer says the findings, which are expected to be released in the autumn, will deliver a national and regional view of the current employee engagement landscape.
For further information about Vet Support+ Business Services from Pfizer visit www.vetsupportplus.co.uk.
Following last year's campaign, Merial commissioned a survey to learn more about how horse owners seek and receive information about the wider aspects of preventative healthcare, and in particular about the relationship with their veterinary practice.
In the survey of 455 horse owners, which was carried out by CMI Research, 78% said their veterinary surgeon was the most important source of information. The next most important influencers were yard managers/grooms at just 22%.
Louise Radford MRCVS from Merial said: "We wanted to learn more about client education and the opportunities for practices to get more from their client relationships, including vaccination and booster uptake. However we hadn’t estimated just how much horse owners rely on their vet for information!"
"However there appears to be a significant gap between vets as a source of information, and their client’s purchasing habits. Health plans are a great example of the potential for improved compliance, with benefits to the horse, client and practice. Yard health plans present an opportunity to increase booster uptake and also to include animals that might not otherwise be vaccinated.
"Of those horse owners and grooms surveyed who did not vaccinate some or all of their horses, their reasons included horses that never leave the yard, or are old, young, or do not interact with other horses. Yet we know that horses that don’t travel are still at risk of equine flu, as virus can travel up to a mile as an aerosol on the wind, in addition to being carried on objects such as buckets and tack.
"So as the key influencers on preventative healthcare, there is much that practices can do to further engage with clients to increase uptake of products and services, improve client loyalty, and ultimately boost the practice business."
For more information on Equine Flu Awareness Month- 2017, including client materials and video content, visit www.equinefluawareness.com
The Specialist Panel is a new feature at VetsNorth with panellists including Dr David Williams, MA VetMB PhD Cert V Ophthalmology Cert WEL FRCVS and Dr Pip Boydell, BVetMed Cert V Ophthalmology MRCVS.
VetsNorth also offers dedicated lecture streams for vets, nurses and practice managers, together with a series of small group, focused workshops. An exhibition showcasing the latest veterinary products and services, featuring demonstrations and workshops from exhibitors, will run alongside the conference.
VetsNorth delegates will also be given a free six-month subscription to Bitesize CPD, an online educational platform offering convenient 24/7 access to learners, launched in 2016 by veterinary CPD company Improve International. Using the Bitesize free trial, veterinary surgeons get 18 hours of free CPD, whilst veterinary nurses get nine.
Matt Colvan, Event Director said: "At VetsNorth we aim to offer the highest quality CPD for the entire veterinary team in an easily accessible and friendly venue which provides plenty of opportunity for interaction between delegates, speakers and opinion leaders.
"The programme focuses on areas highlighted by previous delegates as priorities for learning and on emerging areas of veterinary practice. With new features like the Specialist Panel and with the opportunity to gain additional CPD through a free subscription to Bitesize, we urge delegates to take advantage of our time-limited Early Bird offers and register without delay."
For more information visit www.vetsnorth.com or call 01793 208065.
The Working Group, which was formed in January, is chaired by Nigel Gibbens (pictured right) and composed of representatives from BVA specialist divisions and affiliate groups, and others with relevant expertise and knowledge.
As the Association says, the RCVS review will potentially have a far-reaching impact on the future of the veterinary profession, animal health and welfare, and the relationships vets have with their clients.
Of particular concern are the impact of remote prescribing on animal welfare and how limited-service providers (ie those offering online consultations only) will affect the commercial viability of full-service providers.
It is therefore hugely important that the BVA's response represents the opinions and evidence of as many people in the profession as possible.
Information about the BVA Working Group, including the minutes of meetings held so far and the 'themes' document which reflects the group's current thoughts, can be found here: https://www.bva.co.uk/about-us/our-structure/working-groups/
Nigel said: "I encourage you to look at this information carefully, and feed in any evidence that you wish the group to consider along with your thoughts on the content of the BVA response to the RCVS. You can do this via BVA’s Head of Policy & Governance Amelia Findon (ameliaf@bva.co.uk) who will ensure that comments are collated and considered by our group.
"The breadth of opinion across the profession means that the BVA response cannot please everyone, nor should it attempt to. However, it will be based on available evidence and a good understanding of the full scope of views. BVA policy will thus reflect the majority view whilst embracing the positive potential of technological innovations that will inevitably change the way we interact with clients. I urge you to take the time to consider the implications and let us have your thoughts."
By offering an alternative to face-to-face consultations, VetHelpDirect's online consultation platform provides a means to continue to care for animals while protecting both clients and vet practice staff and still maintaining revenue streams.
The system can be used by clients on most smart phones or tablet devices. Clients can book online or be sent a link by the practice, and payment taken online before the consultation starts.
Transactions on the platform are subject to a 4.8% platform fee and at the end of the 3 month free period, the service costs £20 per month. In addition, to continue using the service, practices need to be registered on the VetHelpDirectory, which costs £38 per month for the first branch and £16 for each additional branch.
For more information, visit: bit.ly/VHD_registration, where you can 'self onboard'. On which note, I will disembark.