Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Changing feedback 'could improve student wellbeing'
Depression and anxiety are more common among veterinary students.
Study suggests mental health is linked with mindset on intelligence

Veterinary students who believe their intelligence level is fixed show signs of poorer mental health, according to a new study by the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.

Researchers say altering feedback and assessment styles - to promote a positive outlook on learning - could provide an opportunity to tackle mental health issues in students.

Depression and anxiety are more common among veterinary students and the number of students seeking counselling has risen by almost a third in the past four years.

Edinburgh researchers used a questionnaire to assess the mindsets and psychological wellbeing of 148 veterinary students. Those who believed their level of intelligence was fixed scored lower in five out of six areas of psychological wellbeing, compared to those who felt their intelligence could be improved.

The team believe wellbeing could be improved by changing the way feedback is given, for example giving 'process' rather than 'person feedback' and reducing assessment methods that encourage comparison with other students.

This supports previous studies that have shown students' mindset on intelligence can be influenced by the type of praise they receive from their parents and teachers, and the way they are assessed.

The full study has been published in the Journal of Veterinary Medical Education.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.