Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2024; 14(4); 559; doi: 10.3390/ani14040559

Experiences of Interdisciplinary Working from the Perspective of the Society of Master Saddlers Qualified Saddle Fitters.

Abstract: Horse owners seek the advice and support of a number of equestrian professionals in carrying out their duty of care for their animal. In some instances, these professionals form a multi-disciplinary team (MDT). The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of the Society of Master Saddlers' qualified saddle fitters (SMSQSFs) working with other professionals and to understand the nature of inter-disciplinary working from an SMSQSF perspective. Semi-structured, one-to-one online interviews with fourteen SMSQSFs were completed. Areas explored included the nature of the participant's client base; the frequency and nature of their interactions with other professionals; their perceptions of horse owner expectations of an MDT approach; and any benefits, challenges, and barriers to an MDT approach within an equestrian setting. Interviews were video and audio recorded (MS Teams), transcribed verbatim (Otter ai), and imported into qualitative data analysis software (NVivo, version 12). Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Six themes were identified: (1) effective communication; (2) multidisciplinary expectations; (3) horse welfare; (4) professionalism; (5) relationships; (6) working together. Communication was recognised as a crucial component of an effective MDT. Most participants valued and desired an MDT approach. They felt they had a key role to play within the equestrian MDT, not only in the prevention of deterioration in horse welfare but also in improving the functionality and performance of the horse-rider partnership. Effective MDT working was also seen as having benefits to SMSQSFs and other professional stakeholders alike, although time and financial constraints were identified as barriers to MTD working. The role of the horse owner within the MDT was unclear and potentially complex, and this and other factors such as the professional identity of the SMSQSF, personal relationships, and input from others outside of the MDT team were identified as challenges to effective MDT working. This present study found that SMSQSFs experience similar benefits and challenges to an MDT approach as seen in human healthcare settings. The role of the horse owner, communication, and professional recognition are indicated as pivotal to MDT effectiveness in achieving optimal saddle fit.
Publication Date: 2024-02-07 PubMed ID: 38396527PubMed Central: PMC10886140DOI: 10.3390/ani14040559Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

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The research studies the experiences of qualified saddle fitters as part of a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) of equestrian professionals. It pinpoints communication, expectations, horse welfare, professionalism, relationships, and collaborative work as major themes that affect the effectiveness of these teams.

The Research Methodology

  • This study employs semi-structured, face-to-face online interviews conducted with fourteen Society of Master Saddlers’ qualified saddle fitters (SMSQSFs).
  • The interviews focused on various elements including the nature and size of the participant’s clientele base, their interactions with other professionals, their perception of horse owner’s expectations from the MDT, and the benefits and challenges of working within an MDT in an equestrian setting.
  • These interviews were video and audio captured, transcribed verbatim and broken down into searchable pieces for analysis using thematic analysis.

Findings of the Study

  • Six major themes were identified in this study. They include effective communication, multidisciplinary expectations, horse welfare, professionalism, relationships, and working together.
  • Effective communication was stressed as a necessary factor for any MDT to function efficiently.
  • Most participants recognized the advantages of an MDT working approach and their unique contribution to it, especially in preventing the decline in horse welfare and in improving the functionality and performance of the horse-rider duo.
  • Obstacles to effective MDT working were identified to be time and financial constraints.
  • The role of the horse owner within the MDT was found to be complex and unclear.
  • Professional identity, personal relationships, and external input from others outside of the MDT team posed as challenges to effective team work.

Implications of the Study

  • The experiences of SMSQSFs in an MDT show similarities with those recorded in human healthcare settings, giving an interesting perspective on interdisciplinary collaborations.
  • The role of the horse owner, effective communication, and recognition of professional roles are deemed crucial for the effectiveness of an MDT in achieving an optimal saddle fit for the horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Nankervis K, MacKechnie-Guire R, Maddock C, Pyatt A. (2024). Experiences of Interdisciplinary Working from the Perspective of the Society of Master Saddlers Qualified Saddle Fitters. Animals (Basel), 14(4), 559. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14040559

Publication

ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 14
Issue: 4
PII: 559

Researcher Affiliations

Nankervis, Kathryn
  • Equine Department, Hartpury University, Gloucestershire GL19 3BE, UK.
MacKechnie-Guire, Russell
  • Equine Department, Hartpury University, Gloucestershire GL19 3BE, UK.
Maddock, Christy
  • Equine Department, Hartpury University, Gloucestershire GL19 3BE, UK.
Pyatt, Alison
  • International Office, Veterinary Medicines Directorate, Addlestone KT15 3LS, UK.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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