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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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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.