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What is evidence-based practice and why do we need it?
Andrea Jeffrey
Andrea Jeffery speaking at the BVNA Congress in Telford.
Vets and vet nurses must leave "their silos" and work more closely together

Speaking at the BVNA Congress in Telford, Andrea Jeffery, RVN, from the University of Bristol opened delegates' eyes to the practical application of evidence-based methods.

She said that, in a nutshell, evidence-based practice is finding the best evidence available and identifying the best practice alongside the patient's needs and client preferences. This is essentially an analytical approach to what veterinary nurses do every day of their working lives – the nursing process.

It is important to look at evidence set against a hierarchy that helps to assess its credibility. Carry out searches with care and don't underestimate the value of the RCVS Library and the RCVS Knowledge scheme.

A useful approach to reviewing literature is to imagine that the author is sitting in front of you. Ask them questions about their affiliations, their motivation in writing the paper and their thought processes. If they don't give you the answers to your questions – or in other words, you cannot find the answers in their paper – then view it with circumspection.

Veterinary nurses should never be afraid to challenge current practice in the light of evidence that they may reveal. "Just because we have always done things in a certain way does not mean that we should continue to do so," Andrea said. This is especially important given the registration and professional accountability of RVNs.

During question time at the end of her presentation, the speaker encouraged vets and vet nurses to leave "their silos" and work more closely together. This breaking down of barriers and more collaborative approach must begin in veterinary schools during the training process.

Anyone who missed this lecture, or who would like to find out more about evidence-based practice, is encouraged to contact Andrea at andrea.Jeffery@bristol.ac.uk 

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.