Abstract
Background
As farm animal clinical practice continues to evolve, it is timely to gather expert opinion on and form an evidence base for the practical skill requirements for new graduates entering farm animal practice to ensure that undergraduate training maps to the needs of the profession.
Methods
Existing lists of practical skills for cattle and sheep were reviewed. Practitioners were recruited from UK farm and mixed veterinary practices to take part in a Delphi process to gain consensus on the most (and least) important skills for day 1 in practice.
Results
The results indicate that students need skills that build trust and credibility with clients, in particular, animal handling, examining and treating sick animals and coping in an emergency until support arrives. Practitioners also acknowledged that new graduates would receive further training once in employment.
Limitations
This study was limited to practical skills, although it was clear from the qualitative data that professional attributes are of key importance to employers and necessary for the success of graduates starting in practice.
Conclusion
The findings of this project will enable veterinary educators and practitioners within educational partnerships to review and update current curricula and prioritise teaching of appropriate learning objectives for farm practical skills.
As farm animal clinical practice continues to evolve, it is timely to gather expert opinion on and form an evidence base for the practical skill requirements for new graduates entering farm animal practice to ensure that undergraduate training maps to the needs of the profession.
Methods
Existing lists of practical skills for cattle and sheep were reviewed. Practitioners were recruited from UK farm and mixed veterinary practices to take part in a Delphi process to gain consensus on the most (and least) important skills for day 1 in practice.
Results
The results indicate that students need skills that build trust and credibility with clients, in particular, animal handling, examining and treating sick animals and coping in an emergency until support arrives. Practitioners also acknowledged that new graduates would receive further training once in employment.
Limitations
This study was limited to practical skills, although it was clear from the qualitative data that professional attributes are of key importance to employers and necessary for the success of graduates starting in practice.
Conclusion
The findings of this project will enable veterinary educators and practitioners within educational partnerships to review and update current curricula and prioritise teaching of appropriate learning objectives for farm practical skills.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | no |
| Journal | Veterinary Record |
| Volume | 192 |
| Issue number | 8 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 13 Feb 2023 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:The authors would like to thank the practitioners who contributed to this study.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 The Authors. Veterinary Record published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Veterinary Association.
Research Groups and Themes
- Veterinary Education Research Group