ancva
London
Whilst good clinical outcomes are essential in any veterinary practice, most
veterinary organisations see client satisfaction, commercial viability, team
morale and individual wellbeing, as equally important to their sustainability
and success. Achievement of these non-clinical outcomes relies on a broad range
of non-clinical skills including communication, leadership, mental health and
wellbeing and business acumen. An increasing array of non-clinical CPD courses
and events become available to the veterinary market, consumers (and providers)
are becoming increasingly uncertain and confused about if, and/or how these
courses are ‘vetted’. In truth, anyone can set up and promote themselves as a
CPD provider or trainer with no experience or qualifications in their alleged
area of expertise. No matter how well-intentioned, trainers and coaches with
insufficient qualifications or knowledge can do more harm than good if they
stray beyond their area of competence or use ‘lay theories’ as opposed to
evidence-based models and techniques. This is particularly relevant in area
involving mental health and wellbeing. Until now, no standards of ‘Best
Practice’ have existed to reassure consumers of non-clinical CPD that the CPD
provider is appropriately qualified and that their courses are planned and
effectively delivered in a way that is relevant to the ethical context of the
veterinary profession.