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The Veterinary record2024; e4148; doi: 10.1002/vetr.4148

Horse owner perceptions of equine veterinary nursing roles in the United Kingdom.

Abstract: Registered (equine) veterinary nurses (R(E)VNs) typically provide few client-facing services. Better utilising R(E)VN skills could help address workforce shortages, improve morale and benefit patient health. The aim of this study was to explore horse owner perceptions of R(E)VN roles. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey of horse owners gathered data on their understanding of R(E)VN roles, their experiences of R(E)VNs their openness to further R(E)VN services and perceived facilitators of and barriers to such services. Participants were recruited via practices, social media and snowball sampling. Descriptive analysis of the quantitative data and manifest content analysis of the qualitative data were conducted. Results: Three hundred and forty-seven useable responses were received. Eighty-one percent (282/347) had heard the term R(E)VN. Most talked positively about their experiences with R(E)VNs. Eighty-seven percent (285/326) were open to an R(E)VN visiting their horse under the direction of a veterinary surgeon, with more than 90% being extremely or somewhat comfortable with R(E)VN visits for bandaging and suture removal. Conclusions: It is unclear how closely respondents' perceptions reflect those of the wider UK horse owner population. Conclusions: Horse owners appear to be open to further nursing services, with key procedures such as bandaging being a potential starting point. Understanding the career goals of the individual nurses and the needs of the practice will be key to the successful implementation of these services.
© 2024 British Veterinary Association.
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Publication Date: 2024-04-24 PubMed ID: 38659211DOI: 10.1002/vetr.4148Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article explores the role of registered equine veterinary nurses (R(E)VNs) in the United Kingdom, with a focus on how horse owners perceive these roles. The findings suggest horse owners are generally open to further R(E)VN services, such as bandaging and suture removal, which could improve workforce shortages, enhance morale, and contribute to better patient health.

Research Methods

  • The researchers used an online cross-sectional survey to gather data from horse owners, aiming to understand their perception of R(E)VNs roles. Questionsh were asked about their experiences with R(E)VNs, their familiarity with the term, and their openness to increased R(E)VNs’ services.
  • Participants for the survey were recruited through veterinary practices, social media, and a technique called snowball sampling wherein existing study participants recruit future participants from among their acquaintances.
  • The collected data was analyzed using descriptive analysis for quantitative data, and manifest content analysis for qualitative data.

Research Findings

  • The study received 347 useful responses. Of these respondents, 81% (282/347) had heard the term R(E)VN, indicating a decent level of awareness among horse owners regarding the existence of such a role.
  • The majority of respondents expressed positive experiences with R(E)VN services.
  • About 87% (285/326) were open to an R(E)VN visiting their horse under the supervision of a veterinary surgeon, indicating a significant level of trust and acceptance in the professional capabilities of R(E)VNs.
  • More than 90% of the respondents were extremely or somewhat comfortable with R(E)VN visits for bandaging and suture removal. This showcases that there are specific R(E)VN services that horse owners are particularly receptive to.

Conclusions

  • The exact representation of the respondent’s perceptions in relation to the wider UK horse owner population remains unclear. This implies that while the study provides insightful findings, further research might be required to increase its generalizability.
  • The findings demonstrate that horse owners are largely open to further nursing services from R(E)VN. The services that are more likely to be accepted include bandaging.
  • The study highlights that to effectively augment the R(E)VN services, understanding the career goals of individual nurses and the needs of the veterinary practice are crucial.

Cite This Article

APA
Pritchard P, Robinson N, Saul A, Shrubb J, Stavisky J, Dean R. (2024). Horse owner perceptions of equine veterinary nursing roles in the United Kingdom. Vet Rec, e4148. https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.4148

Publication

The Veterinary record
ISSN: 2042-7670
NlmUniqueID: 0031164
Country: England
Language: English
Pages: e4148

Researcher Affiliations

Pritchard, Phillippa
  • Liphook Equine Hospital, Liphook, UK.
Robinson, Natalie
  • VetPartners, York, UK.
Saul, Anna
  • Aireworth Vets, Keighley, UK.
Shrubb, Julia
  • Ashbrook Equine Hospital, Knutsford, UK.
Stavisky, Jenny
  • VetPartners, York, UK.
Dean, Rachel
  • VetPartners, York, UK.

Grant Funding

  • MSD Animal Health

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