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Guide released for managing rudeness in practice
Dr Irwin's research revealed long-term impacts to rudeness in practice.
The advice addresses incivility from clients and colleagues.

A practical guide has been published, designed to provide veterinary staff with the support they need to address incivility in the workplace.

Developed by the University of Aberdeen, in partnership with leading organisations and figures, the resources are intended to support those in practice with navigating rudeness from clients and colleagues.

The resources follow research from Amy Irwin, which revealed that experiencing incivility in a veterinary practice could result in negative, long-lasting effects for veterinary staff. This included reduced job satisfaction, reduced wellbeing, higher risk of burnout and higher likelihood of team members quitting.

The advice has been developed through collaboration with industry experts and other organisations. It also responds to findings from other research from Dr Irwin, which examined the ways that veterinary staff respond depending on the source of the rudeness (from clients or colleagues) and the type of behaviour (being ignored or demeaning comments).

As well as addressing the consequences of rudeness, the guide also includes information on how staff should respond to rudeness and how to develop a more supportive practice environment.

The guide consists of several sections which include advice on the perception of rudeness, why it happens, how to respond, support for mental wellbeing and how practices can support staff. There are also sections exploring neurodivergent and student perspectives.

It has been produced as a reference guide, meaning that users will be able to easily find specific sections depending on their needs.

Dr Irwin said: “This guide represents the collective expertise of researchers and veterinary professionals. We have created the guide to provide an evidence-based reference point for anyone struggling with incivility within the veterinary context.”

She added: “We hope this will make an impact in enabling veterinary practitioners to not only navigate difficult situations better but to take action to address incivility and to encourage the development of a civil, supportive place to work.”

Practices can download a free copy of the guide by completing a short online form here.

Image © University of Aberdeen

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FIVP Practice Matters podcast returns for Series 2

News Story 1
 The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) has announced that its podcast, FIVP Practice Matters, will be returning for a second series next year.

The bi-weekly podcast will return on Tuesday, 14 January 2025 with an episode on sustainability with Alison Lambert. The second series will include a range of new and familiar guests sharing veterinary initiatives and news from independent practices.

The podcast is available on Spotify and will now also be released on Apple Podcasts. More details about FIVP and the podcast can be found on its website

Click here for more...
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Further cases of H5N1 confirmed in Norfolk

APHA has officially confirmed that two more cases of H5N1 have been found on premises in Norfolk.

Testing confirmed that highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 was present at premises near Attleborough, as well as premises near Hingham in South Norfolk. The case near Hingham follows a slaughter on suspicion which was declared on 23 December.

A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone have been implemented at each premises, and all the poultry on each premises will be humanely culled.

A third case has also been identified near Beverley in East Riding of Yorkshire.

APHA is reminding bird keepers to remain vigilant and follow biosecurity measures to prevent more outbreaks. Details on the current disease control zones and biosecurity guidance can be found on the APHA website.