Sporotrichosis Cluster in Domestic Cats and Veterinary Technician, Kansas, USA, 2022

We describe a feline sporotrichosis cluster and zoonotic transmission between one of the affected cats and a technician at a veterinary clinic in Kansas, USA. Increased awareness of sporotrichosis and the potential for zoonotic transmission could help veterinary professionals manage feline cases and take precautions to prevent human acquisition.

Cat owners do not provide more reliable weight estimates for cats compared with veterinary professionals in an emergency setting

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to assess the accuracy of weight estimation in cats provided by pet owners, veterinary technicians, house officers (interns and residents) and attending clinicians in an emergency room (ER). An additional objective was to determine whether carrying the cat contributed to a more accurate weight estimate.

METHODS

A total of 72 cats presented to an ER and were enrolled in the study. Pet owners, veterinary technicians, house officers and attending clinicians were asked to record the cats' estimated weights on individual data collection cards. The actual weights of the cats were then obtained and compared with participants' estimations.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between weight estimates provided by pet owners, veterinary technicians, house officers and attending clinicians. Similarly, neither the length of experience of the veterinary staff nor carrying the cat had an effect on the provision of a more accurate weight estimate.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Pet owners are no better at weight estimation of cats in the ER setting compared with veterinary professionals. Carrying the cat did not improve the accuracy of weight estimation among veterinary professionals. The mean cat weight of 4.9 kg could be used as an average cat weight in an emergency situation for an adult cat.

Chef to factory to veterinary practice: perseverance paid off for veterinary nurse

At 16 Emily Stevenson was working full time in a restaurant, but this wasn't the career for her. After becoming a mum and several roles later, she started her journey to vet nursing in her 40s.

Qualitative analysis of small animal veterinarian-perceived barriers to nutrition communication

OBJECTIVE

Nutrition is important in preventing and managing disease. Veterinarians are an important source of nutrition information; however, nutrition communication between veterinarians and pet owners is relatively infrequent. The purpose of this study was to conduct a qualitative review of barriers to nutrition communication and possible solutions, reported by small animal veterinarians.

SAMPLE

18 veterinarians from Maryland, Michigan, Virginia, Washington DC, and West Virginia.

METHODS

In a qualitative focus group study, 5 virtual focus groups using the Zoom platform were conducted from February 3, 2021, to April 2, 2021. Each focus group was audio recorded, and transcripts were created using Otter.ai software. Transcripts were analyzed in Atlas.ti qualitative data analysis software using a hybrid of inductive and deductive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The 4 barriers to nutrition communication identified by veterinarians were as follows: (1) time, (2) misinformation and information overload, (3) pet owners' apprehension toward new information, and (4) veterinarians' confidence in nutrition knowledge and communication skills. Potential solutions include (1) improving communication and nutrition education, (2) improving and increasing access to client-friendly resources, and (3) empowering credentialed veterinary technicians and support staff to discuss nutrition.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study provides guidance for how to focus efforts to break down barriers to nutrition communication in small animal veterinary practice.

Pet owners provide a more reliable weight estimate for dogs compared to veterinary professionals in an emergency setting

OBJECTIVE

To determine the accuracy of pet owners, veterinary technicians, house officers (interns and residents), and attending clinicians at estimating dog weights in a veterinary emergency room.

ANIMALS

272 dogs weighing over 2 kg presenting to the emergency room between June 1 and July 29, 2022.

METHODS

Pet owners, veterinary technicians, house officers, and attending clinicians recorded the dogs' weight estimations on individual data collection cards. Pet owners were also asked to estimate their dogs' weight during the triage period. The dogs' actual weights were then obtained and recorded.

RESULTS

Pet owners were more accurate than veterinary professionals at providing weight estimates for dogs. Weight estimates were accurate to within 10% of the dogs' actual weights for 67.9% (181/267) of pet owners. Forty-one percent (112/270) of attending clinicians, 35.3% (95/269) of house officers, and 35.4% (96/271) of veterinary technicians' weight estimates were within 10% of the dog's actual weight. There was no difference noted in the length of veterinary experience and ability to closely estimate the patient's weight. Overall, veterinary professionals were more likely to closely estimate the weight of large dogs compared to small dogs.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The pet owner is most likely to provide an accurate weight for dogs and questions about the dog's weight should be directed to the client for situations in which a weight cannot be rapidly obtained.

Calf health veterinary services: Making them work for calves, farmers and veterinarians

BACKGROUND

Despite an appetite among UK veterinarians (vets) and farmers to improve calf health, vets face challenges in delivering and sustaining proactive calf health services.

METHODS

Forty-six vets and 10 veterinary technicians (techs) participated in a project to determine what makes calf health services successful while improving their own services. In four facilitated workshops and two seminars, carried out between August 2021 and April 2022, participants described their approaches to calf work, discussed measures of success, identified challenges and success factors, and addressed knowledge gaps.

RESULTS

Many approaches to calf health services were described, and these could be categorised into three overlapping models. Success involved enthusiastic, knowledgeable vets/techs, supported by their practice team, fostering positive attitudes among farmers by providing the services they need, creating a tangible return on investment for farmers and the practice. Lack of time was identified as the most prominent challenge to achieving success.

LIMITATIONS

Participants were self-selected from one nationwide group of practices.

CONCLUSION

Successful calf health services depend on identifying the needs of calves, farmers and veterinary practices, and delivering measurable benefits to each. More calf health services embedded as a core part of farm veterinary practice could bring wide ranging benefits to calves, farmers and vets.

Questionnaire study suggests grave consequences of infectious laryngotracheitis, infectious coryza and mycoplasmosis in small chicken flocks

BACKGROUND

A growing number of people in western countries keep small chicken flocks. In Sweden, respiratory disease is a common necropsy finding in chickens from such flocks. A respiratory real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) panel was applied to detect infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV), Avibacterium paragallinarum (A. paragallinarum) and Mycoplasma gallisepticum (M. gallisepticum) in chickens from small flocks which underwent necropsy in 2017-2019 and had respiratory lesions. Owners (N = 100) of PCR-positive flocks were invited to reply to a web-based questionnaire about husbandry, outbreak characteristics and management.

RESULTS

Response rate was 61.0%. The flocks were from 18 out of Sweden's 21 counties indicating that respiratory infections in small chicken flocks are geographically widespread in Sweden. Among participating flocks, 77.0% were coinfected by 2-3 pathogens; 91.8% tested positive for A. paragallinarum, 57.4% for M. gallisepticum and 50.8% for ILTV. Larger flock size and mixed-species flock structure were associated with PCR detection of M. gallisepticum (P = 0.00 and P = 0.02, respectively). Up to 50% mortality was reported by 63.9% of respondents. Euthanasia of some chickens was carried out in 86.9% of the flocks as a result of the outbreaks. Full clinical recovery was reported by 39.3% of owners suggesting chronic infection is a major challenge in infected flocks. Live birds had been introduced in many flocks prior to outbreaks, which suggested these as an important source of infection. Following the outbreaks, 36.1% replaced their flocks with new birds and 9.8% ceased keeping chickens.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the severity of respiratory outbreaks in small non-commercial chicken flocks and points to the need for more research and veterinary assistance to prevent and manage respiratory infections in small chicken flocks.

The potential role of veterinary technicians in promoting antimicrobial stewardship

BACKGROUND

A core principle of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in veterinary settings is the need for engagement of all stakeholders; however, no studies have addressed the role of veterinary technicians in AMS specifically. The objective of this study was to qualitatively assess knowledge, opinions, and practices related to AMS among technicians. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 33 veterinary technicians with varied backgrounds, experience and roles. Interviews centered on participants work experience and interactions with their employer, perceptions of antimicrobial resistance and overuse in veterinary medicine, observed application of AMS principles, opinions on potential opportunities for technicians to contribute to AMS and concomitant potential barriers to these opportunities. Transcripts of interviews were coded thematically by two authors, then organized into a hierarchical framework, and the characterization of codes was compared across different categories of respondents.

RESULTS

Most veterinary technicians were knowledgeable about antimicrobial drugs but could not provide a complete definition of antimicrobial resistance or AMS. Most veterinary technicians could identify examples of antimicrobial misuse. Participants identified areas of client education and discussion with veterinarians as potential areas to contribute to AMS. Barriers identified included hierarchical structures of veterinary practices and time-constraints. Most participants expressed a personal interest in participating in AMS.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a possible appetite among some veterinary technicians to participate in AMS and they already play applicable roles in practices. Barriers such as educational needs, hierarchical structures of veterinary practices and time constraints will need to be addressed if technicians are included in AMS efforts.

Increased efficiency could lessen the need for more staff in companion animal practice

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate technical efficiency of US companion animal practices.

SAMPLE

60 independently owned companion animal practices selected from the 2022 AVMA Veterinary Practice Owners Survey.

PROCEDURES

A ratio of the weighted sum of outputs to weighted sum of inputs was computed for each practice (ie, decision-making unit [DMU]). Inputs included labor (hours worked) and capital (fixed costs and number of exam rooms). Outputs (or production) included annual gross revenue, number of patients seen per year, and number of appointment slots per full-time-equivalent (FTE) veterinarian per year. Data envelopment analysis was used to optimize the ratio and estimate relative efficiency (RE) scores.

RESULTS

25 (42%) practices were classified as having high efficiency (RE = 1 or 100% efficient), 26 (43%) as having moderate efficiency (RE > 0.7 but < 1.0), and 9 (15%) as having low efficiency (RE ≤ 0.7). Mean RE scores for moderate- and low-efficiency practices were 0.83 and 0.66, meaning they could have reached their current production levels with 17% or 34% less resources. Per the model, if all 60 practices were 100% efficient on the RE scale, 22 fewer FTE veterinarians, 47 fewer FTE veterinary technicians and assistants, and 43 fewer FTE nonmedical staff would be needed overall.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

These preliminary findings suggested that efforts to optimize efficiency could allow companion animal practices to meet demands for their services without necessarily needing to hire more staff. Such efforts might include engaging support staff to their full potential and implementing automated processes. Additional research is needed to identify routines or workflows that distinguish high-efficiency practices from others.

Identifying factors associated with UK veterinary nurse resignations through examination of veterinary practice data

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to identify demographic, practice and job-specific factors that are associated with veterinary nurses resigning from UK companion animal veterinary practices.

METHODS

Employment data from nurses working across a group of practices at the end of 2020 were included. Nurses were categorised into those who remained at, or resigned from, their practice in 2021. Proposed risk factors for future resignations were analysed using multivariable binary logistic regression modelling.

RESULTS

In total, 278 of 1642 (16.9%) nurses across 418 practices resigned in 2021. The most frequently recorded reasons for nurses resigning included 'career progression' (n = 102; 36.7%), 'personal reasons' (n = 36; 12.9%) and 'better pay or benefits' (n = 33; 11.9%). Factors associated with lower odds of future nurse resignations included longer tenure (p < 0.001), higher practice property and facilities rating (p = 0.049) and being a head or student nurse (p = 0.008).

LIMITATIONS

Data were collected retrospectively and were not recorded for research purposes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights key factors that are predictive of veterinary nurse resignations. With known difficulties in staff retention within veterinary practices, analysis of these data is an important addition to the evidence base surrounding the complex issue of nurse retention and could help steer future retention strategies.

Celebrating the UK's incredible veterinary nurses

Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month takes place each May and is an opportunity to celebrate these fantastic members of Team Vet. BVA media officer Charlotte Austen-Hardy shares how BVA marked the occasion.

Assessing veterinary professionals' ability to estimate length

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to assess the accuracy of veterinary professionals' psychomotor and visual estimation of lengths.

METHODS

Members of staff at a single veterinary referral hospital were asked a series of demographic questions. Respondents were first asked to draw lines of a specified length, while being blinded to their previous responses. Respondents were then shown lines on separate non-standard-size laminated sheets of paper and asked to estimate their length. A total of five estimations were made in each section, with lengths varying from 3 to 120 mm.

RESULTS

A total of 101 respondents were assessed. The median absolute percentage error was 24.4% for psychomotor estimation and 33.3% for visual estimation. Respondents were significantly more accurate at psychomotor than visual estimation (p = 0.00024). Respondents tended to underestimate with psychomotor estimation and overestimate with visual estimation. There was no significant difference between the accuracy of veterinarians and veterinary nurses.

LIMITATION

When divided by demographic, not all sample sizes met the power calculation threshold, thus limiting their interpretation.

CONCLUSION

Veterinary professionals must recognise the limitations of estimating length using visual appraisal alone. Measuring devices should be utilised where appropriate.

Developing the SVN CLEI: A Novel Psychometric Instrument for Evaluating the Clinical Learning Environment of Student Veterinary Nurses in the UK

Student veterinary nurses (SVNs) in the United Kingdom can spend over half their training time within the clinical learning environment (CLE) of a training veterinary practice before achieving clinical competency. Sociocultural complexities and poor management within the CLE may have a significant impact on the learning experiences of SVNs, as has been found in studies involving student human nurses. The aim of this research was to develop and validate the SVN CLE Inventory (CLEI) using principal component analysis (PCA), via a cross-sectional design, based on inventories already established in human nursing CLEs. The SVN CLEI was distributed to SVNs via an online survey over a 3-month period, generating 271 responses. PCA resulted in a valid and reliable SVN CLEI with 25 items across three factors with a total variance explained of 61.004% and an overall Cronbach's alpha (α) of .953 (factor 1: clinical supervisor support of learning [α = .935]; factor 2: pedagogical atmosphere of the practice [α = .924]; factor 3: opportunities for engagement [α = .698]). Gaining student feedback is a requirement set out by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Standards Framework for Student Veterinary Nurse Education and Training, and the SVN CLEI can be used to complement the current evaluation of the training veterinary practice CLE. This will facilitate development of a more comparable, consistent, and positive experience for SVNs during clinical training in the UK.

Developing guidelines for pet rat housing through expert consultation

BACKGROUND

Pet care guidelines play an important role in ensuring that owners are well informed about good husbandry practices, allowing them to provide the best care for their animals. However, the development of such guidelines is difficult when there is little appropriate empirical evidence on which to base guidelines, as in the case of pet rats. The consultation of multiple experts can help to surmount this challenge.

METHODS

We developed a set of guidelines for pet rat housing by consulting with a group of experts, including veterinarians, veterinary nurses, animal welfare scientists and experienced pet rat owners. The consultation involved two rounds of online surveys (n = 13) and one online discussion (n = 8).

RESULTS

The resulting guidelines cover a broad range of features within pet rat housing, including injury prevention, details of suitable refuges and substrates, and suitable cage sizing. The guidelines may evolve as more information about pet rats comes to light but may nonetheless provide a useful starting point for any future guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

At present, these guidelines may not only be useful for pet rat owners and those advising pet rat owners, such as veterinarians, but may also be useful in the design of housing, including for laboratory rodents.

Prevention of musculoskeletal disorders among animal research technicians: Understanding difficulties and their determinants through a work activity analysis

This study aimed at understanding animal research technicians (ART) work activity to identify difficulties encountered by workers and their determinants which may increase musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) risks. The methods for the work activity analysis combined interviews, observations, events and operations chronicles as well as inclinometry. From the work activity analysis of the three main tasks (changing mouse cages, preparation of water bottles and unloading dirty material), difficulties such as awkward postures, heavy load handling, repetitiveness, high workload, supplementary tasks, interruptions and difficult social interactions emerged. The work activity analysis further allowed the identification of determinants of these difficulties. Some are related to the physical, organizational or social work environment, and others to the interdependence between these determinants. Such an improved understanding of ART work activity will lead to solutions best suited for MSDs prevention in this understudied setting.

"Clinical Teachers: Teaching Tips for the Busy Veterinary Team": Reflections on the Development of a Multimodal Resource for Veterinarians and Veterinary Nurses/ Technologists New to Clinical Teaching

Clinical practice-based training/work-integrated learning is an applied, social, and high-impact element of the veterinary curriculum. Within this context, students are learning on the job with clinician-educators who are carrying out their professional duties at the same time as supporting learning. To equip clinician-educators with role awareness and general teaching skills, it is recommended that all have access to basic teacher training. However, delivering this training can be challenging to organize and potentially costly when busy, time-poor clinician-educators are distributed across many geographical locations. This Teaching Tip shares our insights about developing and delivering a set of novel clinical teacher resources for veterinarians and veterinary nurses/technologists new to clinical teaching. The resources, underpinned by the principles of participatory design, integrate contemporary clinical educational theories with practical strategies and are interwoven with video clips capturing staff and student perspectives on key topics. While initially focused on creating just an online resource, we ultimately produced an A6 ring-bound booklet version and face-to-face workshops. In this article, we unpack considerations involved in committing to such a project and designing and creating the resources. We hope that this information may be of use to others when developing similar resources.

Experiences Introducing a Team-Based Knowledge Summary to Student Veterinary Nurses/Veterinary Technicians

It is a responsibility of veterinarians and veterinary nurse/veterinary technician practitioners to ground their decisions on sound, objective, and current evidence. Fundamental to this process is the ability to critically analyze available evidence and apply this alongside existing clinical expertise to inform clinical decision making and practice. This teaching tip describes the design and implementation of a knowledge summary and peer feedback as elements of a summative assessment of third-year veterinary nursing degree students at the Royal Veterinary College, University of London. Underlying educational theories and practical details on how to carry out the proposed innovation are discussed. Students' feedback of this assessment method was largely positive, with acknowledgment of its value in facilitating the answering of clinically relevant questions in a practical, structured, and evidence-based format that is directly transferrable to veterinary practice. For those continuing to the fourth year of the Bachelor of Science (BSc) program, it was considered good preparation for the research and literature review conducted as part of the final-year project. Feedback from faculty suggests that the assessment fulfilled its aim of ensuring improved constructive alignment and facilitating the development of higher-order cognitive skills. Others are encouraged to adopt this method of assessment to develop students' interpersonal skills, encourage their critical appraisal of evidence, and challenge traditional theories and practice.

Credentialed veterinary technician intrinsic and extrinsic rewards: a narrative review

The economic literature on veterinary technicians is limited, and the AVMA Task Force on Veterinary Technician Utilization has recommended increasing veterinary technician economic research in several areas. The aim of this review was to provide an economic overview of the veterinary technician profession based on intrinsic and extrinsic rewards. Data sources for this paper include articles and texts from the veterinary, human medical, and service industries concerning veterinary technicians and from economic and psychology literature. Findings of this literature review indicated that veterinary technician intrinsic and extrinsic rewards are complex. Veterinary technicians appear to find value and meaning in their job tasks, which contribute positively toward job satisfaction and self-identity. Low financial rewards, workplace incivility, and work overload appear to be problematic for the individual veterinary technician, veterinary technician profession, and veterinary industry as a whole. The economic and psychology literature indicated that changes to the profession, such as increasing veterinary technician utilization, should simultaneously incorporate the economic needs and values of veterinary technicians and veterinary practice operators.

Radiation Dose to Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians During Radioiodine Treatment of Felis Catus

The uptake of radioiodine in veterinarians or veterinary staff when 131I is administered via injection to domesticated cats (Felis catus) with hyperthyroidism has not been well studied. Veterinarians and staff undergo specific training for the handling of radioiodine injection of cats to minimize and prevent an inhalation intake. An in-vivo bioassay is performed post cat injection to determine if 131I was inhaled or absorbed. The frequency of in-vivo bioassays requires dedicated time of the veterinarians and those who must perform the bioassay. Bioassay data from veterinarians and staff at the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital administering 131I from the past 20 years were analyzed (n = 168) to ascertain if there is a correlation between the amount of time elapsed between the 131I administration, the bioassay, and the net counts resulting from the bioassay. The amount of 131I administration and the bioassay net counts were also analyzed to determine if there was a correlation. No correlations were found, and out of 168 131I administrations over 20 years, only 3 bioassays resulted in measurable doses of 131I with a committed dose equivalent (CDE) of 0.19 mSv, 0.77 mSv, and 1.6 mSv. The current precautions taken to prevent the inhalation intake of 131I appear sufficient to consider changing the requirements for veterinary bioassay after routine administration of 131I to cats.

What Factors Influence the Perceptions of Job Satisfaction in Registered Veterinary Nurses Currently Working in Veterinary Practice in the United Kingdom?

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons is dedicated to empowering registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) and ensuring that they are valued members of the workforce within the United Kingdom. However, this is not always reported by the RVNs themselves, who state that although they derive satisfaction from working with animals and within a profession that makes a difference, there are areas in which they are not currently satisfied, such as pay scale and recognition. Responses to a questionnaire were analyzed using a mixed-methods design to determine current factors affecting job satisfaction utilizing a deductive and inductive approach. The questionnaire reached 205 RVNs currently working in practice within the UK; respondents were divided between remaining at their current practice (n = 101) and finding alternative employment (n = 80). Those who stated that they were happy in their job role were more likely to want to remain there. Themes relating to positive and negative job satisfaction were reported and used to devise strategies employers and employees could use to increase or maintain RVNs' overall satisfaction. More focus is needed on support and communication within veterinary practices, support for appropriate delegation linked to recognition of the RVN role, and support from educators to prepare students for the RVN role. Although the questionnaire did not reach the targeted sample size, responses agree with previous data indicating that changes made to the RVN role in the UK have not sufficiently improved job satisfaction scores.

Training and Preparedness of Clinical Coaches for Their Role in Training Student Veterinary Nurses in the United Kingdom: An Exploratory Inquiry

The experience that student veterinary nurses (SVNs) have in the clinical learning environment can be greatly influenced by the clinical coach (CC); the supervisory relationship will affect student retention and clinical competency. To support a positive student experience, the training and development of CCs must be critically reviewed and regularly updated. This research aimed to ascertain the current CC training undertaken and the preparedness of CCs for their role in training SVNs. We used a prospective cross-sectional study design. An online survey was distributed over 4 weeks to CCs across the United Kingdom representing a range of educational institutions, and it generated 80 responses. Prior to undertaking their initial CC training, CCs had been qualified practitioners for a median of 2.2 years (IQR = 4.16y). CCs stated they needed more course content during their training regarding student teaching and pastoral support, more support from associated institutions, and there was a call for a longer training period leading to a formal qualification. Providing CC training with broader course content and some level of evaluation should be considered to develop and assess the non-clinical skills that are vital to the role.

A survey assessing prevalence of in-hospital violence against veterinary nurses working in small animal hospitals

Background: In recent years, due to a strong concern about this issue, many studies have been conducted on in-hospital violence directed at medical personnel working in the field of human medicine. However, no such survey has been conducted in veterinary medicine to date. Veterinary nurses play an important role in small-animal hospitals. This study aimed to investigate whether in-hospital violence occurred against veterinary nurses in small animal hospitals. Aim: We conducted a questionnaire survey among veterinary nurses working in small animal hospitals to assess their experience of being subjected to in-hospital violence (verbal and physical). Methods: The target period for this survey was one year before the completion of the questionnaire. A total of 134 nurses gave their consent to participate in this survey, and 126 survey responses were included in the final analysis (valid response rate: 94.0%). Incomplete responses were excluded from the analysis. Results: It was seen that 51 people (40.5%) reported having experienced incidents of verbal or physical violence, or sexual harassment. Conclusion: Based on these results, we suggest measures that will help ensure that the staff can provide veterinary care without worrying about their safety and well-being.

Role of the Veterinary Technicians and Hygienists in Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery

It is important to remember that dentistry is one area of the veterinary practice that veterinary technicians/nurses/hygienists can take ownership of and drive the dental program forward under the supervision of a veterinarian. With proper training they can perform all skills except diagnosis and surgery. The veterinary technician/nurse/hygienist should educate the client about the dental procedure, perform a thorough oral examination and report findings on the dental chart, take dental radiographs, perform dental scaling and polishing, administer nerve blocks, administer perioceutics, maintain instruments and equipment, and provide discharge and home care instructions to the pet owner.

Two big questions

Vets, veterinary nurses and researchers weigh in on two of the key questions surrounding appropriate parasiticide use in pets.

Survey of self-reported radiation safety practices among North American veterinary technicians involved in equine radiography using portable x-ray equipment

OBJECTIVES

To describe self-reported radiation safety practices by equine veterinary technicians in North America and identify factors associated with these practices.

SAMPLE

154 equine technicians.

PROCEDURES

An electronic questionnaire regarding radiation safety practices during the use of portable x-ray equipment was sent to 884 members of the American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians and Assistants. Data were summarized, and various factors were evaluated for associations with reported safety practices.

RESULTS

221 of 884 (25.0%) questionnaires were completed, including 154 by equine technicians who had been involved in equine radiography as x-ray tube operators, cassette holders, or both in the previous year. Lead apron use was suboptimal, reported as "always" for 80.0% (104/130) of tube operators and 83.1% (123/148) of cassette holders. Approximately 20% of participants never wore thyroid shields, and approximately 90% never wore lead eyeglasses. Almost 50% of participants did not have lead eyeglasses available. Although > 55% of participants always held the x-ray equipment by hand, 58.4% (73/125) of tube operators and 25.0% (35/140) of cassette holders never wore gloves. Cassette holders wore lead gloves and personal radiation dose-monitoring devices significantly more frequently than did tube operators.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Compliance of North American equine technicians with radiation safety recommendations by the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements was suboptimal. Improvements in radiation safety training and education, strengthening the connection between academic institutions and private practices, and greater availability and requirement of personal protective equipment use by senior clinicians and employers might aid in improving safety practices.

Development of Advanced Veterinary Nursing Degrees: Rising Interest Levels for Careers as Advanced Practice Registered Veterinary Nurses

Strategic planning for the future of veterinary medicine is crucial. The advancement of veterinary nursing is of growing interest and demand. With veterinarians working fewer hours, rising debt to income ratios for veterinary students, underserved rural areas, and career dissatisfaction for veterinary technicians; providing options for the advancement of veterinary nursing will be instrumental in paving the path for the future of veterinary medicine. A graduate veterinary nursing program could provide a platform for the development of an Advanced Practice Registered Veterinary Nurse (APRVN). The APRVN, much like a nurse practitioner and physician assistant, could provide the level of care and responsibility needed to streamline patient assessment and point of care services while maintaining quality patient care and client satisfaction. Utilization of physician extenders offsets physician workload, increases clinical practice growth, and helps to maintain patient retention through allotting more time for education and consultation. Utilization of veterinary nurses in a similar manner may provide similar benefits. To evaluate the interest level for the development of a veterinary nurse graduate program, a survey was distributed to learn more about the kinds of opportunities current and future veterinary nursing professionals in the field are interested in pursuing to support their own career growth. With a total of 703 respondents, the survey indicated 80.06% were in favor of the development of the APRVN through a veterinary nurse graduate program.

Behavioral health and sleep problems among US Army veterinarians and veterinary technicians participating in the Millennium Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalences and relative odds of mental health problems, suicidal ideation, psychotropic medication use, problem drinking, trouble sleeping, and lack of social support among veterinarians and veterinary technicians, compared with other medical professionals, in the US Army.

SAMPLE

7,744 US Army personnel (957 officers [101 veterinarians and 856 physicians and dentists] and 6,787 enlisted personnel [334 veterinary technicians and 6,453 medics]) participating in the Millennium Cohort Study.

PROCEDURES

Eligible participants completed ≥ 1 survey while serving as an Army veterinarian, veterinary technician, physician, general dentist, or medic. Analysis methods including multivariable logistic regression adjusted for covariates and stratified by pay grade were used to investigate associations between each health-care occupation and outcomes of interest.

RESULTS

Veterinarians had higher reported prevalences of mental health problems, trouble sleeping, and lack of social support than did nontrauma physicians, trauma physicians, or dentists. On multivariable analysis, veterinarians had higher odds of mental health problems, trouble sleeping, and lack of social support, compared with physicians and dentists combined; odds for these outcomes were also higher for veterinarians, compared with various individual reference groups. Veterinary technicians had lower reported prevalence and lower odds of psychotropic medication use, compared with medics.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Further examination of Army policies and organizational structures related to veterinarians may be warranted, along with the development of policies and interventions designed to improve mental health, sleep quality, and social support among military veterinarians.

Factors associated with job satisfaction and engagement among credentialed small animal veterinary technicians in the United States

OBJECTIVE

To investigate job satisfaction and engagement among credentialed veterinary technicians (CVTs) employed in the United States.

SAMPLE

873 CVTs who responded to an internet-based survey in 2017.

PROCEDURES

A survey was conducted to collect information on demographics, individual engagement, and job satisfaction among a convenience sample of CVTs in the United States. Only responses from those employed in small animal practice were included. Demographic and job-related factors were evaluated for associations with individual engagement and job satisfaction.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) score for overall individual engagement (7-point Likert scale, with 7 representing strong engagement) was 4.9 (1.0) and for job satisfaction (7 representing extreme satisfaction) was 5.4 (1.5). Factors associated with lower individual engagement and lower job satisfaction included most frequently working overnight shifts and having more veterinarians in the respondent's practice, whereas holding a supervisory role, receiving a higher hourly wage, and having more veterinary technicians in the practice were significantly associated with higher individual engagement and higher job satisfaction, with other variables held constant. Having a veterinary technician specialist designation was not associated with individual engagement or job satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

To the authors' knowledge, this was the first study to investigate factors associated with individual engagement and job satisfaction among CVTs in the United States. Employers should review these factors and support and enhance those associated with enhanced engagement and increased job satisfaction. Employers should regularly review factors identified as negatively associated with job satisfaction and engagement and do their best to mitigate them.

Effect of an advanced degree on veterinary technician salary in the United States

OBJECTIVE

To compare the salaries of certified veterinary technicians with an associate's degree to those with a bachelor's or a master's degree.

SAMPLE

1,289 credentialed veterinary technicians in the United States.

PROCEDURES

Credentialed veterinary technicians were asked to complete an online questionnaire in the fall of 2018 administered by veterinary technician associations and accredited veterinary technology institutions. Additional links to the survey were published on various social media sources.

RESULTS

Mean ± SD hourly pay rate for all respondents was $20.24 ± 6.33. Weighted mean pay rate for those with an associate's degree was $19.93, with a bachelor's degree was $22.37, and with a master's degree was $27.55. Factors positively influencing veterinary technician salary were years of experience as a licensed veterinary technician, level of education, gender, veterinary technician specialist certification, and years worked for current employer.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Years of experience as a licensed veterinary technician, level of education, gender, veterinary technician specialist certification, and years with current employer affected pay rate for credentialed veterinary technicians in the United States.

Developing Inter-Professional Education Initiatives to Aid Working and Learning Between Veterinarians and Veterinary Nurses/Vet Techs

The veterinary workplace consists of different professionals working together in inter-professional teams. Previous work has explored the benefits of effective veterinary teamwork for multiple stakeholders. In this teaching tip article, we outline the underlying educational theories and tips for developing inter-professional teaching to foster students' appreciation of the different roles and responsibilities of veterinarians and veterinary nurses/vet techs. Inter-professional education (IPE) requires students to learn with, about, and from each other and implies recognition of social learning as an underpinning approach. It involves developing learning opportunities to address students' potential misunderstandings of each other's motivations, to allow them to explore issues present in the other profession's practice, and to clarify sometimes overlapping roles and responsibilities. Students are given opportunities to explore the complexity of inter-professional teamwork in a safe environment using real-life topics as context for their collaboration. Two veterinary examples of IPE at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) are provided to explore different teaching methods and topics that have proved successful in our context: dentistry and directed learning scenarios. We describe how RVC has developed an IPE team consisting of faculty members who champion IPE, which has, in turn, inspired students to create a student-led IPE club, hosting extracurricular educational events. This is an example of an effective student-teacher partnership. A number of challenges exist in embedding IPE, but the benefits it offers in integrating clinical and professional elements of the curricula make it worthy of consideration.

'We should continue to recommend year-round flea protection for cats and dogs'

Ian Wright argues that although there are environmental concerns regarding 'blanket' flea treatment of cats and dogs, without this measure pet owners would be at risk of potentially developing bartonellosis.

Addressing a weighty problem

Support, empathy, understanding and encouragement: according to three veterinary nurses specialising in obesity, each is crucial to helping confront the issue of overweight pets.

Suicides and deaths of undetermined intent among veterinary professionals from 2003 through 2014

OBJECTIVE

To analyze data for death of veterinary professionals and veterinary students, with manner of death characterized as suicide or undetermined intent from 2003 through 2014.

SAMPLE

Death records for 202 veterinary professionals and veterinary students.

PROCEDURES

Decedents employed as veterinarians, veterinary technicians or technologists, or veterinary assistants or laboratory animal caretakers and veterinary students who died by suicide or of undetermined intent were identified through retrospective review of National Violent Death Reporting System records. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated, and mechanisms and circumstances of death were compared among veterinary occupational groups.

RESULTS

197 veterinary professionals and 5 veterinary students had deaths by suicide or of undetermined intent. Among decedents employed at the time of death, SMRs for suicide of male and female veterinarians (1.6 and 2.4, respectively) and male and female veterinary technicians or technologists (5.0 and 2.3, respectively) were significantly greater than those for the general US population, whereas SMRs for suicide of male and female veterinary assistants or laboratory animal caretakers were not. Poisoning was the most common mechanism of death among veterinarians; the drug most commonly used was pentobarbital. For most (13/18) veterinarians who died of pentobarbital poisoning, the death-related injury occurred at home. When decedents with pentobarbital poisoning were excluded from analyses, SMRs for suicide of male and female veterinarians, but not veterinary technicians or technologists, did not differ significantly from results for the general population.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Results suggested higher SMRs for suicide among veterinarians might be attributable to pentobarbital access. Improving administrative controls for pentobarbital might be a promising suicide prevention strategy among veterinarians; however, different strategies are likely needed for veterinary technicians or technologists.

The economic impact that registered veterinary technicians have on Ontario veterinary practices

In Canada, registered veterinary technicians (RVTs) are highly trained, regulated professionals working as an integral part of the veterinary team, but there has been little work to quantify their impact on veterinary practices. The objectives of the study were to explore the utilization rates of RVTs and quantify the economic value that RVTs bring to veterinary practices in Ontario, Canada. An online survey was deployed to explore the function of RVTs and their non-credentialed counterparts in practices. There were 169 responses, with 112 respondents providing economic indicators. For each additional RVT/veterinarian, gross annual revenue per veterinarian (RPV) increased by $79 118 (SE = $21 146, P < 0.0001). For 1- and 2-veterinarian practices, if the veterinarian frequently performed RVT duties, the practices were less profitable than clinics that relied on RVTs to perform such duties (P = 0.0001). Finally, clinics which paid their RVTs over $21 per hour earned $122 342 (SE = $58 874, P = 0.04) more RPV relative to clinics which paid their RVTs $15 or less per hour.

Companion animal death and client bereavement: A qualitative investigation of veterinary nurses' caregiving experiences

Veterinary paraprofessionals are routinely confronted with companion animal death and client bereavement throughout their day-to-day work. However, research exploring the nature and psychological impact of these end-of-life encounters among veterinary paraprofessionals is scarce. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted an exploratory qualitative investigation involving semi-structured interviews with 26 veterinary nurses. Thematic analysis identified three major themes within the data: (1) Contextual nuances; (2) Relational dynamics; and (3) Cumulative impact. Findings revealed a number of previously unexplored situational and relational complexities influencing veterinary nurses' appraisals of these responsibilities, and their associated psychological outcomes.

Assessment of the core competencies of veterinarians: implications for policy decisions in India

he objectives of this study were two-fold - to assess the technical competencies of veterinarians and their application, and to investigate veterinarians' activities and appropriate ways for them to acquire and enhance competencies. The studywas undertaken in three South Indian states: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana. The survey data, collected in 2015-2016 from nine districts in the three states, came from in-depth questionnaires completed by 270 veterinary assistant surgeons (VASs). The key survey questions were related to: specific technical competencies and their application, appropriate ways to acquirethem, additional competencies needed and recommended activities to enhancethem. Each respondent's rating was obtained on a) how important are thesecompetencies and b) what is their current level of knowledge and/or skills toperform them? The findings revealed that the current level of knowledge and/orskills was inadequate in production, para-clinical and clinical areas in the day-todaywork of VASs. The findings suggested that pre-service, in-service and basic induction training, and attending national and international seminars, workshopsand Webinars, are appropriate ways to acquire competencies. Additional skillsperceived as necessary by respondents include: time and stress managementskills, motivational techniques, digital communication technologies, and writing and presentation skills. Specific policy interventions suggested and discussed include: adequate hands-on pre-service instruction in veterinary colleges and assessment of competencies before certification, introducing a veterinary licensing examination, reinforcing competencies through induction training,in-service or continuing veterinary education programmes, and improving theinstitutional mechanisms to assess competencies at regular intervals.

Assessment of canine and feline body composition by veterinary health care teams in Ontario, Canada

Nutritional assessment guidelines recommend that veterinary teams assess the body composition of pets at every visit. The objective of this study was to determine how veterinary teams in Ontario, Canada assess body composition in cats and dogs. An online survey was distributed to veterinary teams, with questions on how often body composition is assessed, what methods are used, and demographics. The results demonstrated that 66.7% of respondents reported always assessing body composition. Of those, body condition scoring (99.4%) and body weight (99.4%) were used most often, with morphometry (41.2%) and muscle condition scoring (33.9%) used less frequently. Veterinary technicians were less likely to assess body composition compared with veterinarians. These results indicate that veterinary teams do not assess body composition as indicated by nutritional assessment guidelines. Thus, education of veterinary teams is needed, as body composition should be assessed for every patient as part of a complete nutritional assessment.

Are the Hands of Veterinary Staff a Reservoir for Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria? A Randomized Study to Evaluate Two Hand Hygiene Rubs in a Veterinary Hospital

Hand hygiene (HH) is the most successful intervention for hospital infection control. HH rubs with residual action are desired. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of alcohol (A-HH) and lactic acid (LA-HH) rubs, with the latter being marketed as having residual activity. We investigated reductions in bacterial colony-forming units (CFUs), prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) organisms, and risk factors for increased counts on the hands of veterinary staff. A randomized, crossover study (53 individuals) was performed in a referral veterinary teaching hospital. Hand plates were taken before, immediately after, and 6 hours after HH. A blinded investigator counted CFUs per plate. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus/pseudintermedius (MRSA/MRSP), Enterobacteriaceae, and Pseudomonas species (spp.) were characterized. Gender, profession, time point, and HH product were included as variables within multivariable analyses. A significant reduction in bacterial CFU was seen immediately after A-HH rub application (p < 0.001); however, neither product showed any significant residual action. Veterinarians had higher bacterial CFUs than nurses (p = 0.005); contact with patients, rather than the environment, was also associated with higher counts (p < 0.001). MRSA, MRSP, Enterobacteriaceae spp., and Pseudomonas spp. were detected on 7%, 2%, 14%, and 2% of study participant's hands (n = 208 samples), respectively. Frequent HH administration using an A-HH rub was effective at reducing bacterial CFU on hands in vivo in this veterinary hospital setting, but its use needs further encouragement in veterinary staff. The high prevalence of antimicrobial bacteria on hands is of concern; they might act as reservoirs for patients, the environment, and in-contact people.

The Veterinary Technician in Ambulatory Exotic Animal Medicine

Veterinary technicians are continuously evolving with changes in veterinary medicine specialties. Traditionally, ambulatory medicine has focused on large farm animal medicine. In today's world, technicians are finding themselves on house calls and in ambulatory practices that focus on exotic and zoologic species. In ambulatory medicine, technicians assist during field surgery work, onsite diagnostics, and in other various roles. The conditions often are not ideal and require attention to detail to avoid mistakes in record keeping, inventory, and unnecessary risk.