Creating an Online Evidence-Based Veterinary Medicine (EBVM) Learning Resource for Practitioners

Background: EBVM allows veterinary practitioners to utilise best available evidence to inform their clinical decision-making. An international team of academics and veterinary practitioners has worked with RCVS Knowledge to design an online resource ‘EBVM Learning’ (https://learn.rcvsknowledge.org/course/view.php?id=2). It includes modules on the 5 steps of EBVM (Ask, Acquire, Appraise, Apply & Assess) supported by case-studies, worked examples and quizzes. It has been well received within the veterinary community and is embedded into some undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Summary of work: The current project aimed to create a separate slim-line practitioner-focused version of EBVM Learning for veterinary surgeons and nurses working in general practice. Six focus groups were undertaken with 20 practitioners to identify the motivations, challenges, and barriers in engaging with and implementing EBVM. Practitioners were keen to include more EBVM into their clinical work but highlighted a lack of time, access to resources, and confidence in appraisal as the biggest barriers to using EBVM. The project team attended a workshop to discuss the focus group findings and identify ways to adapt ‘EBVM Learning’ for veterinary practitioners. The new practitioner-focused resource has chapters on each of the 5 steps of EBVM, along with guidance on audits and clinical guidelines, journal clubs, and evidence summaries. The resource ‘EBVM Learning for practitioners’ will be available shortly through RCVS Knowledge. Take home message: The adaptation of EBVM Learning will extend its relevance, use and value to those working in general practice, supporting better clinical decision-making and improving veterinary health care.