Attitudes towards surgical safety checklists among American College of Veterinary Surgeons diplomates.

OBJECTIVE: To examine attitudes towards surgical safety checklists (SSCs) among American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) diplomates and to identify barriers to implementation. STUDY DESIGN: Qualitative online research survey. SAMPLE POPULATION: A total of 1282 current ACVS diplomates. METHODS: An anonymous online survey was distributed to current ACVS diplomates via email. ACVS diplomates were identified using publicly available data through the ACVS website. A total of 1282 surveys were electronically distributed, and respondents were given 4 weeks to respond. The survey consisted of 34 questions examining (1) demographic information, (2) current use of SSCs, (3) knowledge and attitudes towards SSCs, (4) perceived advantages and disadvantages to use of SSCs, (5) implementation strategies, and (6) potential reasons for noncompletion of SSCs. RESULTS: Survey response rate was 20% (257/1282). A total of 169 of 249 (67.9%) respondents indicated using SSCs. Respondents generally agreed that SSCs were proven to reduce surgical complications (196/249 [78.7%]) and did not perceive any disadvantages to use (100/138 [75.2%]). Respondents not using SSCs were more likely to perceive them as a waste of time (p < .001). The most common reasons for noncompletion of SSCs were forgetfulness (21/52 [39.6%]) and time constraints (19/52 [36.5%]). Improved training (72/138 [52.2%]) and modifying the SSC based on staff feedback (69/138 [50%]) were suggested as methods to improve SSC uptake. CONCLUSION: Respondents currently using SSCs were generally satisfied. Time constraints and memory related issues were common causes for noncompletion of SSCs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Efforts to expand the implementation of SSCs in veterinary surgery should focus on improved engagement of relevant stakeholders and modification of the SSC to suit local conditions.

Veterinarian perceptions on the care of surplus dairy calves.

Both male and female calves that are not required in the dairy herd sometimes receive inadequate care on dairy farms. Veterinarians work with farmers to improve animal care, and farmers often view veterinarians as trusted advisors; however, little is known about the attitudes of veterinarians on surplus calves. This study investigated the perspectives of Canadian cattle veterinarians on the care and management of surplus calves, as well as how they view their role in improving care. We conducted 10 focus groups with a total of 45 veterinarians from 8 provinces across Canada. Recorded audio files were transcribed, anonymized, and coded using thematic analysis. We found that veterinarians approached surplus calf management issues from a wide lens, with 2 major themes emerging: (1) problematic aspects of surplus calf management, including colostrum management, transportation, and euthanasia, and suggested management and structural solutions, including ways to improve the economic value of these calves, and (2) the veterinarian's role in advising dairy farmers on the care of surplus calves, including on technical issues, and more broadly working with farmers to better address public concerns. We conclude that veterinarians are concerned about the care of surplus calves on dairy farms and believe that they have an important role in developing solutions together with their farmer clientele.

Surrogate Humane Endpoints in Small Animal Models of Acute Lung Injury: A Modified Delphi Consensus Study of Researchers and Laboratory Animal Veterinarians.

OBJECTIVES: In many jurisdictions, ethical concerns require surrogate humane endpoints to replace death in small animal models of acute lung injury. Heterogenous selection and reporting of surrogate endpoints render interpretation and generalizability of findings between studies difficult. We aimed to establish expert-guided consensus among preclinical scientists and laboratory animal veterinarians on selection and reporting of surrogate endpoints, monitoring of these models, and the use of analgesia. DESIGN: A three-round consensus process, using modified Delphi methodology, with researchers who use small animal models of acute lung injury and laboratory animal veterinarians who provide care for these animals. Statements on the selection and reporting of surrogate endpoints, monitoring, and analgesia were generated through a systematic search of MEDLINE and Embase. Participants were asked to suggest any additional potential statements for evaluation. SETTING: A web-based survey of participants representing the two stakeholder groups (researchers, laboratory animal veterinarians). Statements were rated on level of evidence and strength of support by participants. A final face-to-face meeting was then held to discuss results. SUBJECTS: None. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Forty-two statements were evaluated, and 29 were rated as important, with varying strength of evidence. The majority of evidence was based on rodent models of acute lung injury. Endpoints with strong support and evidence included temperature changes and body weight loss. Behavioral signs and respiratory distress also received support but were associated with lower levels of evidence. Participants strongly agreed that analgesia affects outcomes in these models and that none may be necessary following nonsurgical induction of acute lung injury. Finally, participants strongly supported transparent reporting of surrogate endpoints. A prototype composite score was also developed based on participant feedback. CONCLUSIONS: We provide a preliminary framework that researchers and animal welfare committees may adapt for their needs. We have identified knowledge gaps that future research should address.

Quantitative and thematic analysis of complaints by clients against clinical veterinary practitioners in New Zealand.

AIMS: To provide a descriptive analysis of all notifications and complaints received by the Veterinary Council of New Zealand (VCNZ) during 1992-2016 and to use a thematic analysis of complaints made by clients to the VCNZ during 2013-2015 to determine the underlying reasons for their complaints. METHODS: A mixed methods approach was used. Notifications and complaints against veterinarians between 1992-2016 (n=1218) were summarised based on complaint categories and by gender of the veterinarian respondents, the number of years registered with the VCNZ and the animal species to which the complaint related. In-depth thematic analysis was made of the content of clients' complaints between 2013-2015 (n=141) to identify details of the key themes and subthemes underlying the complaints. RESULTS: The VCNZ categorised 595/959 (62.0%) of the complaints made between 1992-2016 as related to technical competency, and 308/959 (32%) to professional behaviour. Of the 1,218 complaints, 818 (67.2%) were not investigated or were dismissed, and 18 (1.5%) cases were upheld due to technical competency concerns. Of the complaints in which animal species was identified, 623/738 (84.4%) involved companion animals and 104/738 (14.1%) involved large animals. Male veterinarians were the subject of 855/1,218 (70.2%) complaints. Of the complaints that recorded the number of years the respondent had been registered, 488/1,121 (43.5%) involved veterinarians who had been registered ≥21 years. Thematic analysis identified client expectations as the one overarching theme, within which were four subthemes; a veterinarian would be trustworthy and honest, provide good quality care, communicate in a way that the client finds acceptable, and charge fairly. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Notifications and complaints against male practitioners outnumbered those against female practitioners, and companion animal practitioners were over-represented. Many complaints that were ostensibly related to technical failures, were shown by thematic analysis to also represent underlying failures of professional behaviour. Key issues included lack of trustworthiness, honesty, good quality care and acceptable communication with the client. These data should not be interpreted as an accurate indicator of the prevalence of misconduct in practice, as the proportion of dissatisfied clients who did not raise a notification or complaint is unknown. Accurate classification of complaints will enable veterinary regulators and educators to identify competencies that could be developed or improved through training and experience.

OIE twinning programme for veterinary education.

Building capacity is synonymous with sustaining development. Both are required to fuel progress and propel efforts towards heightening health and security. The urgency to build capacity has been catalysed by an increasing number of sanitary crises, threats, and disease outbreaks that have spanned countries, regions and continents. Education has often bridged the gaps in learning, but it has also divided the ways in which learning is practised. Differing cultural, religious and political beliefs, together with alternate economic priorities, have meant that countries have been advocating for education to meet their own specific needs, and not necessarily those of the international community. The varying contents of veterinary curricula around the world do not always demonstrate that the initial education of veterinary students provides them with the necessary skill sets to fulfil their responsibilities as key actors in the private and public sectors of national Veterinary Services. This has resulted in discrepancies in the competencies acquired by veterinarians and their capacities to uphold good veterinary governance and practices. To address this educational imbalance, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has drafted recommendations and guidelines to assist Veterinary Education Establishments worldwide with improving the breadth and depth of their veterinary curricula in order to strengthen their national Veterinary Services. The OIE has, furthermore, developed a twinning programme for Veterinary Education Establishments, under which learning opportunities for teaching staff and students are created and shared. Twinning has, to date, proved to be an effective and powerful mechanism through which developments in veterinary education through mutual capacity and confidence-building can be sustained.

Le renforcement des capacités est synonyme de développement durable. L'un comme l'autre sont indispensables pour alimenter le progrès et canaliser les efforts vers un niveau optimal de santé et de sécurité. Le renforcement des capacités est devenu une nécessité urgente du fait du nombre croissant de crises sanitaires, de menaces et de foyers de maladies qui se propagent dans différents pays, régions et continents. L'offre éducative permet souvent de remédier à des savoirs lacunaires mais elle peut aussi créer des fractures quant aux manières d'apprendre. Les différentes croyances culturelles, religieuses et politiques mais aussi les priorités économiques successives ont souvent induit des politiques éducatives qui visent à répondre aux besoins spécifiques d'un pays plutôt qu'à satisfaire ceux de la communauté internationale. Les variations de contenu des programmes d'enseignement de la médecine vétérinaire dans le monde ne permettent pas toujours de garantir que la formation initiale des jeunes diplômés les dote des compétences requises pour exercer pleinement leurs responsabilités en tant qu'acteurs essentiels des composantes tant privées que publiques des Services vétérinaires. Cela se traduit par un écart entre les compétences acquises par les vétérinaires et les capacités requises pour soutenir une bonne gouvernance et des bonnes pratiques vétérinaires. Afin de remédier à cette disparité des contenus d'enseignement, l'Organisation mondiale de la santé animale (OIE) a préparé des projets de recommandations et de lignes directrices visant à aider les établissements d'enseignement de la médecine vétérinaire dans le monde à dispenser une formation plus étendue et approfondie, dans le but de renforcer les Services vétérinaires nationaux. En outre, le programme de jumelages entre établissements d'enseignement de la médecine vétérinaire mis en place par l'OIE offre de nouvelles perspectives pédagogiques, tant aux enseignants qu'aux étudiants. Le jumelage s'est révélé jusqu'à présent un mécanisme efficace et performant : par le renforcement mutuel des capacités et de la confiance qu'il induit, il pérennise dans les pays participants les effets de la modernisation de l'enseignement vétérinaire.

Refuerzo de capacidades es sinónimo de desarrollo sostenible. Ambos elementos son necesarios para alimentar el progreso e impulsar una labor que permita mejorar los niveles de salud y seguridad. El creciente número de crisis o amenazas sanitarias y de brotes infecciosos que se han extendido por países, regiones y continentes ha puesto de manifiesto que urge dotarse de más sólidos medios de acción. La enseñanza ha servido a menudo para aportar al alumno conocimientos que le faltaban, pero a la vez ha consagrado diferentes maneras de aprender. El distinto bagaje cultural, religioso y político y las dispares prioridades económicas de los países han llevado a una situación en que cada país apuesta por un tipo de enseñanza adaptado a sus propias necesidades específicas, y no necesariamente a las de la comunidad internacional. Los heterogéneos programas de estudios veterinarios que se siguen en el mundo no siempre sirven para que el estudiante de veterinaria salga de la facultad provisto del conjunto de aptitudes necesarias para cumplir la función que le incumbe como pieza básica de los Servicios Veterinarios nacionales, ya sea desde el sector privado o desde el público. Ello da lugar a una gran disparidad en cuanto a las competencias que adquieren los veterinarios y a su capacidad para secundar las buenas prácticas y el buen gobierno veterinarios. Con el objetivo de resolver estas discordancias en la enseñanza, la Organización Mundial de Sanidad Animal (OIE) ha elaborado recomendaciones y directrices que ayudan a establecimientos de formación veterinaria de todo el mundo a conferir más amplitud y profundidad a sus programas de estudios y, con ello, a fortalecer los Servicios Veterinarios de su país. La OIE, además, tiene formulado un programa de hermanamiento dirigido a dichos establecimientos, que ofrecen así a profesores y alumnos la posibilidad de formarse o de hacer intercambios. Por lo observado hasta la fecha, el hermanamiento constituye un potente y eficaz mecanismo con el que respaldar el desarrollo de la formación veterinaria, gracias a la creación de lazos de confianza y al refuerzo recíproco de capacidades.

Which professional (non-technical) competencies are most important to the success of graduate veterinarians? A Best Evidence Medical Education (BEME) systematic review: BEME Guide No. 38.

BACKGROUND: Despite the growing prominence of professional (non-technical) competencies in veterinary education, the evidence to support their importance to veterinary graduates is unclear. AIM: To summarize current evidence within the veterinary literature for the importance of professional competencies to graduate success. METHODS: A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted (CAB Abstracts, Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO, ERIC, Australian and British Education Index, Dissertations & Theses) from 1988 to 2015 and limited to the veterinary discipline (veterinar* term required). Evidence was sought from consensus-based competence frameworks, surveys of stakeholder perceptions, and empirical evidence linked to relevant outcomes (e.g. employability, client satisfaction or compliance). Data extraction was completed by two independent reviewers and included a quality assessment of each source. RESULTS: Fifty-two sources were included in the review, providing evidence from expert frameworks (10 sources), stakeholder perceptions (30 sources, including one from the previous category), and empirical research (13 sources). Communication skills were the only competency to be well-supported by all three categories of evidence. Other competencies supported by multiple sources of empirical evidence include empathy, relationship-centered care, self-efficacy, and business skills. Other competencies perceived to be relatively more important included awareness of limitations, professional values, critical thinking, collaboration, and resilience. CONCLUSIONS: This review has highlighted the comparatively weak body of evidence supporting the importance of professional competencies for veterinary graduate success, with the exception of communication skills. However we stress this is more indicative of the scarcity of high-quality veterinary-based education research in the field, than of the true priority of these competencies.

Nutrition Education in European Veterinary Schools: Are European Veterinary Graduates Competent in Nutrition?

Knowledge of nutrition is vital for veterinarians to inform owners about care of healthy pets and management of disease. Owners wish to have information from the veterinary health care team (VHT), and graduate veterinarians should be sufficiently educated to provide evidence-based information. Many veterinary practitioners feel that their veterinary school education in small-animal nutrition was insufficient. This survey presents the information on nutrition education in 63 European veterinary schools, including attitudes about teaching of nutrition, importance of nutrition, satisfaction of graduate performance and skills in nutrition, existing and required curriculum hours in nutrition, existing and required teaching staff, and barriers to achieving adequate teaching. The questionnaire was provided online to university deans and faculty members. The majority of schools felt that nutrition was important, but lacked staff numbers or knowledge to teach adequately. Many were also restricted by a crowded curriculum. Potential solutions include hiring a nutritionist, outsourcing nutrition education, and/or using online materials.

Scope for animal welfare education in open and distance learning: findings from a needs assessment study in India.

The objectives of this study were twofold: to assess the demand for animal welfare education by open and distance learning (ODL) and to identify content to be covered in an ODL animal welfare programme. Through email, personal interviews and online surveys, data were collected from 161 respondents. The key survey questions were on: the need and reasons for providing animal welfare education through ODL; entry-level qualifications; job/career prospects; duration of the programme, and suggestions on course content. The majority of respondents felt that there was a need for a one-year ODL academic programme on animal welfare. In the light of the findings of this study and related discussions, the authors recommend that online and ODL programmes in animal welfare be developed to meet the continuing educational needs of veterinary students, working veterinarians, para-veterinarians and other stakeholders closely related to animal welfare.

Perception of Teaching and Assessing Technical Proficiency in American College of Veterinary Surgeons Small Animal Surgery Residency Programs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine how American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) small animal surgery residency programs are teaching and assessing technical skills, and ascertain the perceived value of those methods. STUDY DESIGN: Internet-based survey. SAMPLE POPULATION: Residents and Diplomate supervisors of ACVS small animal residency programs. METHODS: Residents and supervisors were surveyed on their experience of surgery instruction, use of different resources for teaching, type and frequency of feedback, and perceived effectiveness of their programs in imparting technical proficiency. RESULTS: A total of 130 residents (62%) and 119 supervisors (44%) participated. Both residents and supervisors estimated the resident was the primary surgeon for a mean of 64% of cases, although this proportion varied widely between participants. The majority of residents and supervisors considered that direct intraoperative guidance was the most effective way for residents to develop technical skills. Verbal interactions between supervisor and resident occurred frequently and were highly valued. Regular wet laboratories and access to simulation models were uncommon. Despite over 90% of all participants reporting that a sufficient level of technical aptitude would be attained, only 58% of residents were satisfied with their technical skills training. CONCLUSION: Residents relied on direct interaction with supervisors to develop technical skills. The traditional mode of instruction for veterinary residents is the apprenticeship model, which is partly driven by ACVS requirements of supervisory support. Exposure to other teaching and assessment methods was variable. The current structure of residency programs is successful in imparting technical competency as perceived by supervisors and residents. However, consideration of a more formal method of residency training with structured assessment of technical skills as in human medicine should not be dismissed.

Why do farmers and veterinarians not report all bovine abortions, as requested by the clinical brucellosis surveillance system in France?

BACKGROUND: Since 2005, France has been officially free of brucellosis, an infectious disease that causes abortion in cattle and can be transmitted from cattle to humans. Recent animal and human cases have drawn attention to the need to prevent infection of humans and animals from any primary outbreaks. In order to detect any new outbreaks as soon as possible, a clinical surveillance system requires farmers and veterinarians to report each abortion and to test the aborting cow for brucellosis. However, under-reporting limits the sensitivity of this system. Our objective was to identify the barriers and motivations influencing field actors in their decision to report or not to report bovine abortions. We used a qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews of 12 cattle farmers and their eight veterinarians. RESULTS: Our analysis showed that four main themes influence the decision-making process of farmers and veterinarians: 1) the perceived risk of brucellosis and other abortive diseases; 2) the definition of a suspected case of brucellosis and other abortive diseases adopted by field actors, which is less sensitive than the mandatory definition; 3) the cost-benefit analysis conducted by actors, taking into account regulatory and health aspects, economic and financial losses, technical and practical factors; 4) the level of cooperation within the socio-technical network. We discussed how early detection may be improved by revising the definition of abortion, extending the time frame for notification and generalising the differential diagnosis of the causes of abortion. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to quantitative approaches, qualitative studies can identify the factors (including unknown factors) influencing the decision-making process of field actors and reveal why they take those factors into consideration. Our qualitative study sheds light on the factors underlying the poor sensitivity of clinical brucellosis surveillance system for cattle in France, and suggests that early detection may be improved by considering actors' perceptions. We believe our findings may provide further insight into ways of improving other clinical surveillance systems and thus reduce the risk of disease.

Parasitological procedures, skills, and areas of knowledge used by small-animal practitioners in North America.

We designed a study to assess veterinarians' competency regarding parasitological procedures, skills, and areas of knowledge currently used in small-animal practice. The outcome will help us refine our curriculum on the basis of the parasitological working knowledge and skill sets that small-animal practitioners are using today. A questionnaire was developed and sent to small-animal practitioners. Their responses provided general information on practice characteristics, parasitological procedures used, and client education. Parasitological procedures included those to diagnose helminths, protozoa, and ectoparasites. We focused on three questions: "Do you perform or request this procedure?" "Where is this procedure performed?" and "What is your frequency?" The respondents were 478 small-animal practitioners. We performed descriptive analyses of practice characteristics along with bivariate and multivariate analyses. These analyses revealed the clinical competence of parasitological diagnoses performed or requested by small-animal practitioners. The results showed that more involved or time-consuming methods such as fecal flotation using centrifugation and the Baermann test are more often sent to a diagnostic laboratory and are requested more often by veterinarians in larger practices (i.e., those that employ more veterinarians). The outcomes also suggest that the main diagnostician may not fully understand the tests available at the diagnostic laboratory, which has an impact on decision making for management, treatment, and prevention of parasites and ultimately client education. In addition, small-animal practitioners who have been in practice longer and practices that employ five veterinarians or fewer (i.e., smaller practices) offer more client education.

Comparative wound healing--are the small animal veterinarian's clinical patients an improved translational model for human wound healing research?

Despite intensive research efforts into understanding the pathophysiology of both chronic wounds and scar formation, and the development of wound care strategies to target both healing extremes, problematic wounds in human health care remain a formidable challenge. Although valuable fundamental information regarding the pathophysiology of problematic wounds can be gained from in vitro investigations and in vivo studies performed in laboratory animal models, the lack of concordance with human pathophysiology has been cited as a major impediment to translational research in human wound care. Therefore, the identification of superior clinical models for both chronic wounds and scarring disorders should be a high priority for scientists who work in the field of human wound healing research. To be successful, translational wound healing research should function as an intellectual ecosystem in which information flows from basic science researchers using in vitro and in vivo models to clinicians and back again from the clinical investigators to the basic scientists. Integral to the efficiency of this process is the incorporation of models which can accurately predict clinical success. The aim of this review is to describe the potential advantages and limitations of using clinical companion animals (primarily dogs and cats) as translational models for cutaneous wound healing research by describing comparative aspects of wound healing in these species, common acute and chronic cutaneous wounds in clinical canine and feline patients, and the infrastructure that currently exists in veterinary medicine which may facilitate translational studies and simultaneously benefit both veterinary and human wound care patients.

Veterinarians as practitioners and as key players in epidemiological surveillance: two tasks, two paradigms to be reconciled.

Veterinary practitioners are often involved in epidemiological surveillance systems, where their task is to detect animals suspected of suffering from diseases subject to surveillance and to include them in surveillance. However, these two tasks--practising veterinary medicine and taking part in surveillance--are based on different paradigms. Faced with a sick animal, a practitioner tries to maximise the probability of a correct diagnosis, whereas, when implementing surveillance, a veterinarian is required to maximise the inclusion of suspected cases in surveillance systems. Based on an analysis of the difficulties and problems posed by these coexisting tasks, the authors propose potential solutions through veterinary education and training. The implementers and coordinators of epidemiological surveillance systems must take these factors into account.

Attitude of Brazilian veterinarians in the recognition and treatment of pain in horses and cattle.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the use of analgesics, describe the attitudes of Brazilian veterinarians towards pain relief in horses and cattle and evaluate the differences due to gender, year of graduation and type of practice. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective survey. METHODS: Questionnaires were sent to 1000 large animal veterinarians by mail, internet and delivered in person during national meetings. The survey investigated the attitudes of Brazilian veterinarians to the recognition and treatment of pain in large animals and consisted of sections asking about demographic data, use of analgesic drugs, attitudes to pain relief and to the assessment of pain. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze frequencies. Simple post hoc comparisons were performed using the chi-square test. RESULTS: Eight hundred questionnaires were collected, but 87 were discarded because they were incomplete or blank. The opioid of choice for use in large animals was butorphanol (43.4%) followed by tramadol (39%). Flunixin (83.2%) and ketoprofen (67.6%) were the most frequently used NSAIDs by Brazilian veterinarians. Respondents indicated that horses received preoperative analgesics for laparotomy more frequently (72.9%) than cattle (58.5%). The most frequently administered preoperative drugs for laparotomy in horses were flunixin (38.4%) and xylazine (23.6%), whereas the preoperative drugs for the same surgical procedure in cattle were xylazine (31.8%) and the local administration of lidocaine (48%). Fracture repair was considered the most painful surgical procedure for both species. Most veterinarians (84.1%) believed that their knowledge in this area was not adequate. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although these Brazilian veterinarians thought that their knowledge on recognition and treatment of pain was not adequate, the use of analgesic in large animals was similar in Brazil to that reported in other countries.

Factors associated with good compliance and long-term sustainability in a practitioner-based livestock disease surveillance system.

The Ontario Farm call Surveillance Project (OFSP) was a practitioner-based, syndromic surveillance system for livestock disease. Three data-recording methods (paper, web-based, and handheld electronic) used by participating veterinarians were compared for timeliness (when the report arrived at the OFSP office), completeness of the report, and the usage and costs of incentives offered to veterinarians as compensation for their time to record data. There were no statistically significant differences in these parameters among the 3 data-recording methods. This indicates that different data-recording methods can be used within a single veterinary surveillance program while maintaining data integrity and timely reporting. Factors such as ease of data collection and providing incentives valued by veterinarians ensured high compliance and long-term participation in the project. It also increased the diversity of the participant group, reducing the likelihood of biased data submissions.

Facteurs associés à une bonne observance et à la durabilité à long terme dans un système de surveillance des maladies du bétail mis en œuvre par les praticiens. L'Ontario Farm call Surveillance Project (OFSP) a été un système de surveillance syndromique mis en œuvre par le praticien pour les maladies du bétail. Trois méthodes d'enregistrement des données (sur papier, sur Internet et par appareil portatif) utilisées par les vétérinaires participants ont été comparées pour la rapidité (lorsque le rapport arrivait au bureau de l'OFSP), l'intégralité du rapport ainsi que l'utilisation et les coûts des incitatifs offerts aux vétérinaires, comme la rémunération horaire, afin d'enregistrer les données. Il n'y a pas eu de différence significative sur le plan statistique de ces paramètres parmi les 3 méthodes d'enregistrement des données. Cela indique que les différentes méthodes d'enregistrement des données peuvent être utilisées dans le cadre d'un seul programme de surveillance vétérinaire tout en préservant l'intégrité des données et en assurant des rapports rapides. Des facteurs comme la facilité de la collecte des données et l'offre d'incitatifs appréciés par les vétérinaires ont garanti une observance élevée et une participation à long terme au projet. Ils ont aussi augmenté la diversité du groupe de participants, réduisant la probabilité de la soumission de données partiales.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Skills required of dairy veterinarians in western Canada: a survey of practicing veterinarians.

This study determined skills required of entry-level veterinarians for dairy practice in western Canada and compared mixed and dairy practitioners in the skills that they perform. We surveyed western Canadian veterinarians involved in dairy practice, focusing primarily on clinical activity of respondents. Response rate was 39.4% (281/714). Respondents were classified as either mixed practitioners (< 10% time in dairy practice) or dairy practitioners (> 75% time in dairy practice). For both groups, individual animal medicine and surgery skills were performed more commonly than herd health skills. The most important skills identified were those required for basic theriogenology, physical examination, treatment of common disorders, and general surgery. These results underscore the continued importance of individual animal skills in food animal practice in western Canada.

Compétences requises par les vétérinaires laitiers de l'Ouest canadien: sondage auprès des vétérinaires praticiens. Cette étude a déterminé les compétences requises par les vétérinaires de niveau d'entrée pour la pratique laitière dans l'Ouest canadien et a comparé les praticiens mixtes et laitiers dans les compétences qu'ils mettent en pratique. Nous avons effectué une enquête auprès des vétérinaires de l'Ouest canadien œuvrant dans la pratique laitière, en nous concentrant principalement sur l'activité clinique des répondants. Le taux de réponse a été de 39,4 % (281/714). Les répondants ont été classés soient comme des praticiens mixtes (< 10 % du temps en pratique laitière) ou des praticiens laitiers (> 75 % du temps en pratique laitière). Pour les deux groupes, la médecine des animaux individuels et les compétences chirurgicales étaient mises en pratique plus couramment que les compétences de santé du troupeau. Les compétences les plus importantes identifiées étaient celles requises pour la thériogénélogie de base, l'examen physique, le traitement des affections courantes et la chirurgie générale. Ces résultats soulignent l'importance continue des compétences portant sur les animaux individuels dans la pratique des animaux destinés à l'alimentation de l'Ouest canadien.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Veterinary education: a basis for good governance leading to effective veterinary services.

Veterinary education serves as the foundation on which a country can build effective Veterinary Services (VS). In addition, an appropriately well-educated animal health workforce will be better poised to actively participate in and advance good governance practices. Good governance, in turn, will lead to improved animal and veterinary public heath infrastructures and help advance economic development across the globe. A crucial first step in establishing a strong educational foundation is to define minimum competencies for both public- and private-practice veterinarians to perform veterinary service tasks. Defining minimum competencies will also assist veterinary education establishments (VEEs) in developing and implementing curricula to allow graduates to achieve those competencies. Incorporating veterinary educational prerequisites and requirements into governance documents that regulate VS will help to ensure that those who deliver VS have an adequate knowledge and skills base to do so. Public-private partnerships may be particularly effective in designing and implementing curricula that address defined minimum competencies and assure the quality of VEEs. Through these partnerships, a system of continuous quality improvement is established that embodies the qualities essential to good governance practices. Such practices will ultimately strengthen national VS, better protect animal and public health, and ensure food security.

Initial assessment of strategic plans for improving the performance of veterinary services in developing countries: a review of OIE PVS gap analysis reports.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) carries out Gap Analysis missions (if a country so wishes) as part of its programme to assess and improve the Performance of Veterinary Services (the 'PVS Pathway') in Member Countries. These Gap Analysis missions have found that many national Veterinary Services comply to only a limited extent with the international standards established by the OIE and that their competence is compromised by poor governance. This failure threatens animal and public health not only nationally but also internationally. The OIE PVS Gap Analysis reports reviewed found that all the Veterinary Services have a strong vision and commitmentto improvement but are held back by a weak chain of command, inadequate and outdated legislation, insufficient funding, weak technical competencies, compromised technical independence, poor communications and limited joint programmes. There are weaknesses across all the core technical areas of trade, animal health, veterinary public health and veterinary laboratories and also in the overall management of the Veterinary Services. The OIE PVS Gap Analysis missions recommend significant increases in budget in all countries.

Expected frequency of use and proficiency of core surgical skills in entry-level veterinary practice: 2009 ACVS core surgical skills diplomate survey results.

OBJECTIVES: ACVS Diplomates were surveyed to identify a complete list of core surgical skills, determine the expected frequency of use of these skills, and ascertain the level of skills proficiency expected of entry-level practicing veterinarians. STUDY DESIGN: Internet-based survey. SAMPLE POPULATION: Randomly chosen ACVS Diplomates (n = 750). METHODS: Rating scale items were used to construct the main portion of the survey with 26 skills that were scored by participants based on rankings of proficiency expected of entry-level veterinarians, as well as expected frequency of use of these skills. Additional demographic questions were included to gather information regarding gender, practice type, year of veterinary school, year of ACVS membership, job description, primary surgical discipline, practice location, average number of procedures performed on a weekly basis, and number of new graduates mentored in the last 5 years. RESULTS: Of 337 Diplomates (44.9%) who responded to the survey, >60% expected entry-level graduates to have good skills with minimal supervision or complete skills for 21 of the 26 skills categories listed. More than 60% of respondents ranked 7 skills with a lower frequency score (seldom or occasionally use). Orthopedic instrument handling and fixation skills as well as electrosurgical and laser skills received some of the lowest expected proficiency and frequency rankings. No additional skills categories were identified in the open-ended survey questions. CONCLUSIONS: A complete list of core surgical skills was identified. There was broad consensus between boarded surgeons irrespective of their practice type, experience, or discipline for ranked proficiency and frequency scores among the core surgical skills expected of entry-level veterinarians.