Audit of animal-related injuries at UK veterinary schools between 2009 and 2018.

The study explores animal-related injuries among professional and student veterinarians across five UK Veterinary Schools spanning from 2009 to 2018. The research unveils an annual injury rate and underscores the severity and consequences of such incidents.

Research Methodology

• The study adopted a multicentric audit approach of accident records from 2009 to 2018 across five UK veterinary schools.
• Injury rates, demographics, and species were considered as variables for the stratification of injuries.
• The context and cause of the injury were examined and a multivariable logistic model was used to identify factors associated with medical treatment, the need for hospital visits and time away from work.

Findings

• The research reported an annual injury rate of roughly 2.60 injuries per 100 graduating students.
• Injury distribution fluctuated among the different veterinary schools in the study.
• The frequency of injuries recorded was higher among staff than students, and a significant variation was found between staff and students concerning the activities carried out before the injury occurred.
• Cats and dogs were the common species linked with the most reported injuries. However, injuries associated with larger animals such as cattle and horses were more severe, resulting in higher hospital visits and increased time off work.

Limitations and Recommendations

• The researchers accepted that the data were centered around reported injuries, thereby likely undervaluing the genuine injury rate.
• The task of correctly determining the population at risk was challenging due to the variable nature of population size and exposure.
• The study concludes with a recommendation for additional research to investigate the clinical and workplace management and recording culture of animal-related injuries among veterinary professionals for extended understanding and improved preventive measures.