One Health Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Veterinary Education Establishments in Europe: Mapping Implementation and Reflecting on Promotion

Abstract

One Health recognizes the interconnection of people, animals, and the environment and encourages a multidisciplinary approach. Several high-level European and global policy recommendations call for close intersectoral collaboration to better understand and manage health challenges faced today. Academic education has a fundamental role in preparing all health professionals in that respect. Our research investigates whether, and how, European Veterinary Education Establishments (VEEs) implement interdisciplinarity. We collected data on undergraduate education, post-graduate programs, and academic research through a pan-European survey. Our aim was to identify policy actions that could encourage cross-sectoral education and a culture of One Health at universities. Input from 41 VEEs showed that interdisciplinary education for undergraduates is still in the early stages. The models of academic structure, undergraduate curricula, and education policies established so far hinder interdisciplinarity. One Health interdisciplinary post-graduate education is easier, at least in some countries, while research successfully integrates multidisciplinary interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches . To conclude, we propose five recommendations to promote interdisciplinary education in veterinary and other curricula and to further encourage the intersectoral cooperation in research: (1) the need for the development of One Health transdisciplinary competencies across different discipline curricula in the European Union (EU); (2) the need for an integrated strategy of university structures and policies (for undergraduates and post-graduates) to encourage and support interdisciplinarity; (3) the need for a harmonized approach to academic education via accreditation; (4) the need for appropriate legislation to facilitate interdisciplinary training; and (5) the need to encourage One Health research.