'Gold standard care' is an unhelpful term

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Welfare
• Medical Ethics

Background:

• The term "gold standard care" implies a single, superior treatment protocol.
• This can create unrealistic expectations and ethical dilemmas in veterinary practice.
• Veterinary Humanities UK highlights the need for a more nuanced approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for the adoption of "contextualised care" in veterinary medicine.
• To challenge the limitations of the "gold standard care" paradigm.
• To promote a more inclusive and adaptable approach to animal treatment.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis and ethical argument presented by Veterinary Humanities UK.
• Discussion of the limitations of a singular "gold standard" in diverse clinical scenarios.
• Proposal of "contextualised care" as a more appropriate framework.

Main Results:

• The term "gold standard care" is deemed inadequate for veterinary practice.
• "Contextualised care" offers a framework that respects individual patient needs and circumstances.
• Acceptance of varied treatment pathways as valid and effective is encouraged.

Conclusions:

• Shifting to "contextualised care" enhances ethical practice and patient-centeredness in veterinary medicine.
• This approach better reflects the complexities of real-world veterinary treatment.
• Adopting "contextualised care" supports improved animal welfare by allowing flexible, appropriate interventions.