Abstract
The objective of this study was to document newly qualified veterinarians' concerns and surgical complications encountered during canine ovariohysterectomy (cOVH) during the first year of general practice. A questionnaire investigating concerns about cOVH procedures was sent to all final-year veterinary students (group 1) enrolled at five UK universities. Participants were later asked to complete a similar questionnaire 6 months (group 2) and 12 months (group 3) after graduation, which involved grading their concern about different aspects of the cOVH procedure and reporting surgical complications encountered after completing three cOVHs. Responses were compared between different time points. There were 196 respondents in group 1, 55 in group 2, and 36 in group 3. Between groups 1 and 2, there was a statistically significant reduction in the respondents' levels of concern in every aspect of cOVH (p<.05). Between groups 2 and 3, there was no statistically significant change in respondents' levels of concern in any aspect of cOVH (p≥.21). There was a significant reduction in the number of complications encountered by veterinarians in group 3 (39/102, 38.2%) compared to those in group 2 (117/206, 56.8%) (p=.002). Employers should anticipate high levels of concern regarding all aspects of cOVHs in new graduates, and supervision during the first 6 months may be particularly useful.
Highlights
IntroductionComplications associated with Canine ovariohysterectomy (cOVH) have been reported in up to 52% of patients and hemorrhage is the most common cause of cOVHrelated death
Canine ovariohysterectomy is commonly performed in general practice and is the procedure that causes the most concern in 81% of final-year veterinary students in the UK.1 Reported intra-operative and post-operative cOVH complications include hemorrhage, wound infection, gossypiboma, incisional hernia, ovarian remnant syndrome, uterine stump abscess formation, and ureteral injury.2–6 Complications associated with cOVH have been reported in up to 52% of patients1,7,8 and hemorrhage is the most common cause of cOVHrelated death.9The stress on new surgeons who lack confidence and surgical skills is potentially detrimental to the learning experience and the patient
There are currently no minimum requirements set by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) for surgical exposure during the undergraduate course, nor to employers undertaking the surgical supervision of new graduates
Summary
Complications associated with cOVH have been reported in up to 52% of patients and hemorrhage is the most common cause of cOVHrelated death.. The stress on new surgeons who lack confidence and surgical skills is potentially detrimental to the learning experience and the patient. There are currently no minimum requirements set by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) for surgical exposure during the undergraduate course, nor to employers undertaking the surgical supervision of new graduates. Since 2007, it has been compulsory for UK veterinary graduates to complete a Professional Development Phase (PDP) as outlined by the RCVS.. Since 2007, it has been compulsory for UK veterinary graduates to complete a Professional Development Phase (PDP) as outlined by the RCVS.13 In this self-assessment learning program, cOVH is classified as a Year One competency (appearing in the “routine surgery” category). There are no minimum recommendations for the number of procedures to be conducted
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
