An International Collaborative Approach to Developing Training Guidelines for Veterinary Paraprofessionals.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Health
• Global Public Health

Background:

• Veterinary paraprofessionals (VPPs) are crucial for animal health, disease surveillance, and food safety globally, especially in developing nations.
• Lack of standardized global training requirements and varying recognition of VPP qualifications pose challenges to veterinary services.
• The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) recognized the need for standardized VPP training and roles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop globally recognized competency and curricular guidelines for veterinary paraprofessionals (VPPs).
• To establish a framework for consistent training and qualification of VPPs worldwide.
• To support the enhancement of national veterinary services through improved VPP capabilities.

Main Methods:

• A collaborative approach involving extensive consultation with international stakeholders and experts.
• Formation of a diverse ad hoc group for guideline development.
• Utilized OIE Member Country data, stakeholder surveys, and in-country missions to gather information and validate models.

Main Results:

• Publication of "Competency Guidelines for VPPs" detailing expected knowledge, skills, and attitudes.
• Publication of "OIE Curricular Guidelines for VPPs" outlining coursework structure and content.
• Development of a framework to assist countries in training and qualifying VPPs.

Conclusions:

• The OIE guidelines provide a foundation for effective VPP training and qualification globally.
• Implementation of these guidelines can enhance the contribution of VPPs to veterinary services.
• The guidelines may stimulate reviews of educational and regulatory standards for veterinarians and VPPs.