Background: Recruitment and retention of farm veterinarians have been the focus of recent research. Previous work suggests that a feeling of 'fit' is important for students to consider a farm career. The aim of this study was to identify whether students feel that they 'fit' in farm practice and reasons for their answer. Methods: An online survey was distributed to students at all British and Irish veterinary schools. A mixed methods approach was considered, with thematic analysis on free text answers and regression analysis on demographic variables. Results: Thematic analysis identified six themes: career opportunities, nature of farm veterinary work, relationships and interactions, individual experiences, expectations and perceptions, and no perceived barriers. Females, marginalised ethnic groups and those from an urban/suburban background were all identified as having significantly (p < 0.05) less agreement with the statement 'I feel able to pursue a career in farm practice'. Limitations: Survey limitations include those with a clear bias being likely to respond. However, alignment of the qualitative and quantitative results increased confidence in the findings of this mixed methods approach. Conclusion: This study confirms that biases that exist within wider society do have an influence on veterinary undergraduates' intentions to pursue a farm animal career. This is vital to consider both at a university level and when considering students' experiences on placements. Urgent action is required to improve inclusivity in the farm animal veterinary sector.
Background and AimsWith a 51% increase in demand for paediatric cardiology services from 1989 to 1994 [Arch Dis Child 2006;91:11 892–895], a major recommendation of the Paediatric Congenital Cardiac Service review was that a cardiologist from the tertiary centre and the local clinical lead should join to hold outreach clinics, reducing the major strain on tertiary treatment providers. As such, a 61% increase in outpatient clinics over 5 years was reported by Wagstaff et al. [Heart 1998;79:223–224]. It is key that these joint clinics provide the same high standard of care as otherwise provided; thus, the aim of this audit was to ensure that this bi-monthly joint-clinic provides that, and to study the demand currently placed on it.Methodology238 patients scheduled to attend the clinic over 4 months from December 2015 to March 2016 were studied retrospectively from patient records, using a pro forma to examine ‘Did not attend’ (DNA) rates, referral routes, requested outcomes v’s actual outcome, investigations undertaken etc.Results36 patients were overbooked, with a higher-than-average DNA rate of 25.63%. 212 patients attended for routine follow-up appointments, with 40.66% of patients being seen by a Paediatrician with expertise in cardiology (PEC), and 43.96% seen by a cardiologist. 29% of patients attended had a simple congenital defect, while 17% had a complex congenital defect. 70% of patients were requested to follow-up in the same clinic; 25 fewer patients than requested returned to the clinic between 1–12 months, while 3 patients more than requested returned to clinic >24 months later than their previous appointment. 42.94% of patients seen had an ECG, and 75.71% an Echocardiogram.ConclusionsAlthough there is a sufficient level of care with a high number of investigations being carried out, this clinic is highly overbooked, predominantly due to the excessive DNA rates and the fact that few patients are discharged back to the PEC. There is an urgent need for more joint-clinics.
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