Inter-professional practice: from veterinarian to the veterinary team

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Health
• Professional Studies

Background:

• Animal healthcare delivery involves diverse professions.
• Veterinary team dynamics are influenced by evolving roles of veterinarians and allied professionals.
• The professionalization of veterinary nurses (e.g., UK RVNs) impacts team practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the inter-professional dynamics within the veterinary team.
• To explore the benefits and challenges of inter-professional collaboration in animal healthcare.
• To identify the need for inter-professional education (IPE) research within veterinary teams.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of professional roles and interactions.
• Review of professionalization milestones for veterinary nurses.
• Discussion of inter-professional practice benefits and challenges.

Main Results:

• Inter-professional practice offers benefits like improved patient outcomes and client satisfaction.
• Challenges include hierarchy issues and communication barriers.
• Veterinary nurses are increasingly accountable due to professionalization.

Conclusions:

• Effective inter-professional collaboration is crucial for optimal animal healthcare.
• Addressing hierarchy and communication is key to overcoming challenges.
• Further research into inter-professional education for the veterinary team is warranted.