Veterinary Pharmaceutical Safety Competencies for New Graduates: Description of an Interprofessional Simulated...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Public Health
• Pharmacology Education

Background:

• Misuse of veterinary anesthetics and analgesics presents public health risks, exacerbated by illicit drug trade.
• Ultrapotent opioids and anesthetics are increasingly involved in veterinary drug diversion.
• There is a growing need for medication safety training in veterinary education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe an interprofessional simulation activity for veterinary students focused on opioid and alpha-2 agonist diversion awareness.
• To develop basic life support skills for accidental exposure to veterinary medications.
• To propose medication safety education sub-competencies for veterinary curricula.

Main Methods:

• Evidence-based, interprofessional simulation activity design.
• Development of proposed veterinary medication safety education sub-competencies.
• Alignment with competency-based veterinary education (CBVE) Domain 4 and pharmacology competencies.

Main Results:

• The simulation activity effectively raises awareness of veterinary opioid and alpha-2 agonist diversion.
• Participants develop essential skills for responding to accidental exposures.
• Three key sub-competencies for veterinary medication safety education are proposed.

Conclusions:

• Enhanced veterinary education is vital to mitigate public health risks from medication misuse.
• Simulation and targeted competencies improve student preparedness for handling potent veterinary drugs.
• Addressing diversion and misuse of veterinary opioids and alpha-2 agonists is critical for public safety.