Research Bites is your opportunity to come along and hear from RVN researchers conducting and publishing research that is relevant to the nursing profession. The work they do could inspire change within veterinary nurse practice, improving welfare standards and care. This year we have researchers talking about research as diverse as diabetic pets' owners perceptions of support, a behavioural study of the microchipping consultation process, impact of home life on hospitalised stress levels, efficacy of temperature monitoring aids and many more. There really is research to cater for every interest and taste, and we really hope that you will take time to browse the posters, come to the presentations, and track down the researchers to discuss their work.
Research bites is the exciting culmination of NINE years of work by BVNA Council Members to put veterinary nursing research on the agenda and provide researchers with a platform to share their findings with an interested audience. From small acorns, both the quantity and quality of submissions by veterinary nurses has grown and grown as the reputation of the scientific section of congress and veterinary nurses' interest and research knowledge has developed. As one of the reviewers from the start of this process, this has been such an uplifting and exciting opportunity to witness and in which to have been a part. I am so proud of OUR profession for what we continue to achieve.
Although many of the research projects are clinical nursing based, we actively encourage submissions on a wider range of themes, and would love to see more work in the area of educational research and initiatives, clinical audits and reviews of nursing practice. All scientific methodologies are welcome, too. So…whether you are studying, working in practice or another clinical/non-clinical setting, if you have an idea for research that is relevant to veterinary nurses and are keen to present it at BVNA, please do get in contact. We will help you make that idea reality and maybe it could be you proudly presenting your work at BVNA Congress 2020.
We live and work in exciting times for veterinary nurse research – own it, share it and be part of it!
Louise Buckley PhD RVN
A comparison of behavioural changes between indoor and outdoor kept felines when hospitalised
Alicia Smith | Plumpton College
Introduction
Stress can have an impact on a patient's recovery psychological well-being and level of care given during hospitalisation. The level of stress experienced by cats in a veterinary setting can be dependent on their past experiences and home environment. This study aimed to determine key factors in a cat's home life (outdoor access, noise exposure and presence of other cats) affect stress levels during hospitalisation for routine veterinary procedures.
Methods
This was a cross sectional observational study undertaken at a first opinion veterinary practice with a mixed species hospitalisation ward in the South East of England. Healthy cats (n = 44) of any sex (Male, n = 21; female n = 23), breed, or age (Range: 4 months – 10 years) were included if they were being hospitalised for a routine procedure such as neutering and minor dentals. On admittance, the owners completed a questionnaire to determine the cat's access to outdoors, whether they lived in a loud environment, and whether there were other cats present in the household. This was used to investigate whether any of these variables were associated with increased stress levels in cats. Based on the questionnaire answers, subjects were subdivided into three treatment groups when looking at outdoor access: all day access (ADA n = 21), no access (NA n = 11) and some access (SA n = 12); two treatment groups for noise levels: loud home environments (LE n = 14) and quiet home environments (QE n = 30); and two treatment groups for exposure to other felines: single-cat households (SCH n = 20) and multi-cat households (MCH n = 24). Cats were monitored during their hospitalisation two hours prior to the procedure using a behavioural ethogram devised by Kessler & Turner (1997) and adapted for this study. The ethogram scored changes seen in body language such as pupil size and body posture that are attributed to indicators of stress. Completed ethograms identified a stress score for that individual with the minimum score possible being 12 (minimal behavioural signs of stress) and the highest 48 (high levels of behavioural signs of stress). The data was analysed to look for an association between stress level and each of the variables.
Results
Mean stress scores indicated no significant difference in stress levels between felines with differing amounts of outdoor access although those with ADA had higher overall scores (Mean stress score ± SD, NA: 24.8 ± 8.8; SA: 27.7 ± 9; ADA: 31.5 ± 10.0). Noise in the home environment also saw no significant difference to the level of stress seen (Mean stress score ± SD, LE: 28.3 ± 11.7; QE: 29 ± 8.8) nor did exposure to other cats (Mean stress score ± SD, MCH: 29.3 ± 9.1; SCH: 28.2 ± 10.5).
Conclusions
The apparent wide variation in reactions among cats indicate that each patient should therefore receive personal stress examinations to be assessed individually regardless of their previous experiences. This will improve their well-being and healthcare and highlights the need for further research to be undertaken on the factors that influence feline stress.
An investigation into RVN perceptions associated with the use of pain scoring systems in canines undergoing ovariohysterectomy in first opinion practice in the UK
Ashleigh Thurston | Myerscough College
Ashleigh would like to dedicate this abstract to Dr Lorraine Allan, who was her dissertation studies supervisor but tragically passed away without getting to see her submit a clinical abstract to BVNA Congress. Ashleigh writes:
"Dr Lorraine Allan has had a massive influence on the veterinary nursing profession through her many years of eaching and has been an inspiration to many SVNs and RVNs. She had a contagious energy and always reinforced the importance of continued research within the veterinary nursing profession. I cannot thank her enough for all of the support and encouragement to get our work published".
Introduction
The Royal College ofVeterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses (RCVS, 2012) states that the health and welfare of a patient (including pain assessment) should be the first consideration for Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs). Coleman and Slingsby (2007) showed that over 90% of those surveyed did not use pain scales in practice. However; this study was carried out 12 years ago, and there is a need to understand what the current level of pain scoring is in first opinion practice. The aim of this study was to assess RVNs attitudes to pain scoring in canines undergoing ovariohysterectomy (OVH) in first opinion practices in the United Kingdom. The study also aimed to understand why pain scoring of canine OVH patients might not always be utilised by RVNs.
Materials and Methods
A mixed methods cross-sectional prospective questionnaire was used to address the research aims, with open ended, multiple choice and Likert- type questions utilised. The survey was compiled using the survey tool SmartSurvey was disseminated via social media and was live for four weeks. The inclusion criteria was RVNs working in first opinion practice. Questions asked included demographic information (length
of time qualified), confidence in pain scoring ability, use of pain scores in respondent's practice and attitudes to the use of pain scoring. Quantitative data is reported using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data was subjected to thematic analysis.
Results
Seventy-three responses from RVNs were received and analysed. Of these, 29% had been qualified less than 2 years, 32% 2 – 5 years, 12% 5 – 10 years, and 27.40% more than 10 years. Ninety-five % (n = 69) of RVNs thought that the use of pain scales routinely in practice were useful in pain management of patients undergoing OVH; however 52% of RVNs do not routinely pain score canines undergoing OVH. Reasons for not pain scoring included time (n = 20) and lack of training (n = 15) or taking a less formal approach to pain assessment in patients (observing without use of validated pain score and/or pain scoring not being part of the practice protocol for OVH patients, n = 15). Where pain scoring was routinely used, the majority (89%, n = 31) used the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale. However 70% (n = 50) of RVNs thought improvements could be made to their current protocols, including utilizing pain scoring more often (suggested by 80% of respondents). Thematic analysis identified that RVNs felt that an increase in awareness of pain scoring and additional training in how to do this would improve RVN compliance.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that an increase in awareness and education in pain scoring for RVNs is require to improve the pain management of canine patients undergoing OVH. It also highlights that improvements are needed in current pain management protocols in first opinion practice if gold standard patient care is to be achieved in more UK practices.
Evaluating the efficacy of oesophageal, rectal and tympanic membrane temperature as methods of monitoring peri-operative temperature in anaesthetised canines
Chloe Shepherd | Myerscough College
Chloe would like to dedicate this abstract to Dr Lorraine Allan, who was her dissertation studies supervisor but tragically passed away without getting to see her submit a clinical abstract to BVNA Congress. Chloe writes:
"Lorraine has been an incredible support and inspiration for me while undertaking my veterinary nursing training and further studies, and her passing has been a devastating loss for the veterinary nursing community. She was very encouraging of my dissertation (although she had to tame some of my more exuberant ideas.!). Her endeavour to encourage students to embrace research and evidence-based practice has most definitely shaped the profession into what it is today I just hope to do her proud!"
Introduction
Anaesthesia is known to significantly reduce core body temperature; therefore, it is important to have a reliable method of monitoring that is easily accessible. Temperature monitoring can often be neglected intra-operatively, due to equipment availability or patient accessibility (MacMillian, 2016); thus it is important to ensure that RVN's have access to a multitude of reliable and valid temperature monitoring tools. The aim of this study is to validate tympanic membrane temperature (TMT) as a method of monitoring core body temperature in canine patients under general anaesthetic.
Methodology
A quantitative, prospective, randomised, experimental pilot study was undertaken, using 20 healthy client-owned dogs (males: n = 7; females: n = 7)) of various ages (range: 0.5 – 5 years, median: 1.6 years), weights (range: 2.6 – 28.9kg, median: 1 1.7kg), and breeds. Once enrolled into the study (with informed consent obtained from the owners), participants had their temperature recorded at 4 pre-defined intervals (stages). Rectal temperature (RT) and TMT were recorded whilst patients were awake during stage one. Once anaesthetised (time point per stage measured in minutes post-induction and not standardised between patient so mean (range) time at point of measurement reported), RT oesophageal temperature (OT) and TMT were recorded at stage two (7.5, 4 – llmin), stage three (30.5, 24 – 46min)and stage four (70.8, 41 – I30min). Total surgery length varied between 41 – I30min. The temperature instruments utilised included: I. an infrared tympanic membrane thermometer 2. a digital rectal thermometer, and 3. and a temperature monitor with an oesophageal temperature sensor. All devices were calibrated to within ±0.1 °C. A one-way ANOVA test was performed for each set of data with significance level set at 0.05.
Results
There was no statistical difference between the temperatures recorded at any of the individual stages, or overall. Overall, the standard deviation (SD) in temperatures was: TMT Versus RT 0.2 °C (0-0.9); TMT versus OT 0.2 °C (0-1); OT versus RT 0.2 °C (0-1.1). At stage one: TMT versus RT 0.2 °C (0-0.9). At stage two: TMT versus RT 0.2 °C (0-0.4); TMT versus OT 0.2 °C (0-0.7); RT versus OT 0.1 °C (0-0.5). At stage three: TMT versus RT 0.2 °C (0-0.8); TMT versus OT 0.2 °C (0-1); RT versus OT 0.2 °C (0-1.1). At stage four: TMT versus RT 0.2 °C (0-0.5); TMT versus OT 0.2 °C (0-0.6); RT versus OT 0.2 °C (0-0.8).
Conclusion
The findings suggest that TMT can be used interchangeably with OT or RT whilst monitoring the temperature of anaesthetised canines, and therefore should be considered as a useful additional or replacement method of recording canine temperature when required. More research is warranted into the relationship between RT OT and TMT at a variety of stages of anaesthesia to further validate TMT as a method of monitoring core body temperature.
The effects of routine veterinary appointments on rabbit welfare
Daisy-Mae Parr | Hartpury University
Introduction
A large proportion of pet rabbits do not receive regular preventative veterinary healthcare. The impact this lack of care has on rabbit welfare has not been studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of owners not attending routine appointments on the condition of rabbits when subsequently they were presented for non-routine appointments. A review of deceased rabbits during 2018 was also conducted.
Methodology
A retrospective study was performed at a Ist opinion, small animal veterinary practice, in the South West of England. Full clinical histories of all rabbits seen during October 2018 to November 2018 (identified via the practice management system), were reviewed. Only those rabbits seen for non-routine appointments (± previously seen for routine appointments) were included. Routine appointments were classified as those requiring preventative health care e.g. routine vaccination or nail clipping. Non routine appointments were classified as those at which the owner reported clinical signs of disease. Rabbits attending for a non-routine appointment were given an American Association of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grade (1-5) based on the clinical notes recorded by the attending veterinary surgeon. Only the first non-routine appointment that a rabbit attended was analysed, and the ASA grade noted. The rabbits were placed into one of two groups; those who had not attended routine appointments within the last 18 months (Group I) and those who had, prior to the non-routine presentation (Group 2). The age and sex of the groups were compared using a Mann Whitney U test (sex data were numerically coded). The ASA grades between the groups were compared using the Mann Whitney U test. Significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results
One hundred and eleven records were reviewed, with 40 meeting the inclusion criteria (attendance for a non-routine appointment). Of these, I5 had not previously attended for routine care, and 25 had done so. No statistically significant differences in age, or sex of rabbits existed between the two groups (P > 0.05).
The ASA grades of rabbits in Group one were significantly higher than those in Group two (p = 0.00I). The median ± IQR ASA grade of rabbits in Group one was 3 ± I; with only 6.66% (n = I) graded lower than a three, 60.00% (n = 9) graded at 3 and 33.33% (n = 5) graded at 4. In group two, the median ASA score was 2 ± I; with 60.00% (n = I5) graded lower than 3, 32.00% (n = 8) graded 3 and 8.00% (n = 2) graded at 4.
Thirty eight rabbits were recorded as deceased in 20I8. The mean ± SD of age at time of death was I530 ± I036 days. Of these, 42.I0% (n = I6) were less than 3 years old and 65.80% (n = 25) had never received routine or preventative veterinary treatment.
Conclusion
This study suggests that pet rabbits are living a shorter lifespan than expected. When rabbits attend routine appointments regularly in veterinary practice, the severity of non-routine presentations are less than those rabbits not presented for routine healthcare. This may indicate that owners who seek routine care are more proactive and invested in their rabbit's health and will present sooner if concerns arise. It is vital to educate owners in appropriate rabbit husbandry at every opportunity
The use of semi-structured interviews to determine the availability of client support for canines suffering from Diabetes Mellitus
Hannah Durling | Harper Adams University
Introduction
Niessen et al. (2012) found that 84% of Diabetic Dog Owners (DDOs) reported that owning a Diabetic Dog (DD) negatively impacted their Quality of Life (QoL). Niessen et al. (2017) reported that one in ten diabetic pets are euthanised at time of diagnosis. Both these authors highlight the need for better client support. Therefore, the aim of this study is to establish if there is a need for better client support (e.g. support groups) for DDO as to the author's knowledge, there are currently no face to face support groups for DDOs in the UK and the research regarding their potential benefits is limited. Literature has identified that support groups and QoL assessments are highly effective in improving diabetic people's psychological health which highlights their potential for use in the veterinary field (Chaveepojnkamjorn et al., 2009).
Methodology
This qualitative study used purposive sampling to recruit DDOs for semi-structured interviews. Seven face to face interviews and two telephone interviews were conducted with participants originating from Suffolk, Shropshire and Scotland. Interviews included open-ended, prompt, non-leading and ‘echo' questions to try and reduce all possible bias. They were recorded using a Dictaphone and transcribed via NVivo. The written data was analysed using emotional and descriptive coding to form thematic analysis. The participant's direct quotes were then discussed and suggestions for further research were made.
Results and Discussion
Overall, all participants highlighted a range of emotions such as feeling overwhelmed, fearful and stressed when managing a DD. The majority agreed they had a lack of support, with six out of nine participants stating the resources provided were insufficient, highlighting the importance of RVNs tailoring resources to client's needs. All nine participants were highly enthusiastic about attending a support group and agreed it definitely would improve their QoL and understanding of diabetes. For those that may not wish to attend support sessions, eight were unaware of online support groups highlighting the need for RVNs to increase client's awareness of these opportunities to allow them to choose a support method that is right for them.
The majority of the participants expressed problems with injections, diet administration and also showed a lack of confidence and awareness when dealing with hypoglycaemia and home blood glucose testing (HMBG). Worryingly, all participants reported that the RVN did not ask them how they were coping with the condition, furthering the argument for more client-based support to be implemented across practices. Eight out of nine participants agreed they would like a QoL assessment in follow up clinics, to ensure the resources are tailored to their needs and support is put in place to aid client's QoL.
Conclusion
The data identified that RVNs were not always tailoring resources to client's needs which highlights the demand for QoL assessments and support groups so that clients feel highly valued and can learn best from their preferred resource. For the future the author is setting up support groups in veterinary practices for DDOs and is also preparing a QoL assessment for RVNs to give to owners. The author will also conduct follow up research regarding the efficacy QoL assessments have in providing more specific and tailored client support. A recommendation for further study could involve an investigation into whether clients prefer face-to-face or online support.
A descriptive study of the process of microchipping dogs in a North-West Veterinary clinic
Isla Smith | University of Edinburgh
Introduction
UK legislation requires dogs to be microchipped by 8 weeks. To date, there is no research to explore any aspect of this procedure that may have welfare implications for dogs at a particularly sensitive point in their development (Appleby et al., 2002). The aim of this prospective observational study was to quantify the current microchipping process in a North-West England veterinary practice. The focus was on canine and implanter behaviour demographics and owner perception.
Methodology
42 consultations were observed, with 73 dogs (43 with littermates and 30 solitary) and 15 veterinary professionals (9 veterinarians, 5 RVNs and 1 SVN). The microchipping procedures were continuously observed for four minutes by a physical researcher and video-recording device, with two minutes prior to implantation completion (first 90 seconds: pre-implantation phase (PrIP); last 30 seconds: implantation phase (IP)) to two minutes post-implantation (PoIP). PoIP started when the needle was fully extracted from the dog. Event (n = 15) and postural (n = 7) behaviours and implanter methods (n = 23) were recorded using all-occurrence sampling (30s bouts), instantaneous sampling (10s intervals) and one-zero sampling (30s bouts), respectively Owner satisfaction questionnaires were provided post-consultation. The implanter methods and canine behaviour ethograms were developed from a pilot study Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and Pearson's chi-square tests for associations, with a Holm-Bonferroni correction applied where appropriate.
Results
The following behaviours indicative of negative emotional states were observed by at least 1 in 5 dogs; tense ears (97.3%), tucked tail (94.5%), lip-licking (82.2%), looking towards the injection site (LIS, 78.1%), flinching (75.3%), yelping (48%), whimpering (42.5%), trembling (28.8%) and yawning (20.5%). One dog (1.4%) tried to bite. Compared to PriP flinching, yelping, LIS, tucked tail and tense ears were significantly (all p < 0.001) more often displayed during IP Dogs display the following behaviours during IP significantly less: loose tail (<0.001),
wagging tail (p < 0.002), relaxed ears (p < 0.001) and relaxed posture (p < 0.001). Dogs were 152 times (confidence interval, C.I.: 20.2-1145.5, p < 00.1) more likely to yelp and 4.7 times (C.I.: 2.7-8.3, p < 0.001) more likely to flinch during IP than PoIP The proportion of dogs displaying each behaviour PoIP declined to PrIP leverls for all behaviours, except LIS (p < 0.001) which remained higher and lip-licking in which fewer dogs showed this in the final stage (p < 0.001).
Pet-directed talk was used for 97.3% of dogs and physical petting was used for 86.3% of dogs. However food was used for only 47.9% of dogs. Of this group, food was used to bond (throughout the observation period) for 39.7% of dogs, to distract (during IP) for 43.8% of dogs, and to reward (PoIP) for 24.6% of dogs. Post-consultation, 77% of owners rated their experience compared to 63% who rated their dog's experience as excellent.
Conclusion
This case-study based research is the first to quantify the methods used by veterinary professionals during a microchipping consultation and canine behaviours exhibited. It shows that event and postural behaviours indicative of negative emotional states are associated with microchipping. Further research should identify low-stress handling methods that minimise the aversive nature of the procedure for the canine participant.
Occupational Stress and the Veterinary Nurse
Jennifer Godbehere | Hartpury University
Introduction
The aim of this study was to identify reasons why Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVN) might be leaving the veterinary profession and to determine whether those that may have experienced occupational stress were utilising resources such as Mind Matters and the Vet Helpline.
Methodology
Telephone interviews, lasting an average of ten minutes, were conducted over a one month period in 2019. These interviews were audio recorded to enable them to be transcribed at a later date. Six candidates were selected using a convenience sampling method once it was established that the participants fit the criteria of previously being RNVs and that they had left the profession. Social media was used to initially contact the participants and then determine their eligibility An in-depth guide was followed to ensure that all questions were covered throughout each interview. The qualitative data collected was then thematically analysed to identify common themes that were highlighted from the interviews.
Results
Five themes were identified as the most common from all six participants and each of these themes was highlighted by the participants as negatively impacting on their working environment therefore causing them to reconsider their career goals.
Salary: “The wages unfortunately didn't reflect what I needed to pay out so it was almost not worth working”
Utilisation of skills: “It depends on the practice. I see some RVNs used to their full potential and [the] skills [and] roles we can fill are actually phenomenal, and I've seen others that barely use their RVNs for anything other than cleaners"
Appreciation from colleagues: “I had quite a good relationship with the vets that I worked with and they knew what I was capable of and they were happy to let me do schedule three procedures”
Promotional opportunities: “Twenty three years it was a long time doing the same sort of role”
Working hours: “The hours are not great and having a work life balance it's really hard”
Of the six participants only three suggested that they left the profession due to occupational stress, “My last job certainly thought that my problems were just down to my personal problems not anything that was going on in the workplace and there was very little support to be honest”. All of the participants were aware of the Mind Matters and Vet Helpline resources available to them and how to access them, however only one felt the need to access the resources.
Conclusion
Occupation stress was not the main reason given for RVNs leaving the professional, however, it does still need to be taken into consideration because stress can be exacerbated by factors such as those identified as common themes in this study.
Brachycephalic dog owners: characteristics, knowledge of breed health risks and susceptibility to media influence
Laura Richards | Hartpury University
Introduction
The aim of this project was to establish the extent to which both media and social media platforms influence dog owners' purchasing decisions. Brachycephalic pre-purchase research was explored, including owner awareness of potential breed-specific health problems and whether they consulted with veterinary professionals prior to purchasing.
Methodology
An online survey was designed to collect qualitative and quantitative data, resulting in a ‘mixed-method' approach. Following a pilot study, the survey was available on social media to owners of French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs and Pugs, remaining open for one week. Data was processed in Microsoft Excel© and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences©. Data was tested for normality using a Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, which indicated non-parametric data. A Kruskal-Wallis test was undertaken, with pairwise post-hoc testing (with a Bonferroni correction applied) undertaken where any significant differences (p = 0.05 threshold) where identified. Qualitative data, including opinions, views and explanations, was analysed using content analysis. This allowed themes to be identified and grouped appropriately
Results
A significant difference was found between the 18-24 and 46-52 age categories (p = 0.002) on time spent on social media platforms, with the 18-24 category spending longer. Respondents in the 18-24 category reported being significantly (p = 0.041) more likely to be influenced by social media when making purchasing decisions, compared to the 53+ category
Pre-purchase research was conducted by 86.4% of respondents (n = 273), with 12.5% of respondents (n = 110) contacting a veterinary practice during this process. Online forums were the most popular source of pre-purchase research (n = 196, 22.3%), closely followed by dog breeders (n = 159, 18.1%). No differences were found between the age groups on whether they conducted pre-purchase research (p = 0.095), how long they spent completing pre-purchase research (p = 0.138) or how valuable they felt their pre-purchase research was (p = 0.244).
A significant difference between 25-31 and 32-38 year olds was present on analysis of whether health concerns were identified through pre-purchase research (p = 0.029). It is not clear why this difference existed. Health concerns were also identified by most owners (n = 237, 85.3%) but this knowledge did not negatively impact their decision to purchase a brachycephalic breed (n = 157, 61.8%). Items of merchandise such as mugs, pillows, greetings cards and t-shirts were considered to be influential on brachycephalic dog owners' purchasing decisions (n = 239,75.6%).
Conclusion
The media particularly seems to have greater potential to influe
nce the younger generation, which is expected, as according to this research younger participants spent a longer amount of time on social media platforms. It is important to consider the influence of merchandise on owners' decisions, as most participants viewed this as influential on their decision to purchase a brachycephalic dog. To allow owners to make informed decisions based on accurate and relevant information, veterinary practices should be encouraged to engage with potential owners regarding pre-purchase information.
A comparison of nasal and rectal temperatures in cats and dogs
Sophie Horton-Smith | Harper Adams University
Introduction
Hypothermia affects up to 97% of veterinary patients and can adversely affect recovery so temperature monitoring during anaesthesia is important (Redondo et al., 2012). Access to conventional temperature monitoring sites is often difficult due to patient and drape positioning. Thus, there is a need to identify other suitable sites to use for temperature monitoring. The aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy of the nasal cavity mucosa compared to the rectum and establish its significance as an alternative temperature monitoring site.
Materials and Methods
At a small animal veterinary practice, samples were obtained from 20 canines (9 females and 11 males), mean (±standard deviation, (SD)) weight = 16.2kg (±8.2) and 5 felines (5 females), mean (±SD) weight = 3.2kg (±0.8) over a three month-period. These participants were undergoing general anaesthesia for a variety of elective procedures and temperatures were taken using a MiniTemp® (Vetronic Services Ltd, Abbotskerswell, England). For rectal readings, a rigid probe was placed against the tissue wall of the rectum at the start of anaesthesia with any faecal matter being avoided during placement. Every time a reading was to be taken from the nasal cavity, the flexible probe was placed intranasally ventromedially behind the alar fold and onto the nasal mucosa. Rectal and nasal temperatures were measured simultaneously during the patient's anaesthetic and three readings were obtained from each site in total, at three different time points. The data was analysed to compare the nose to the rectum as an accurate and reliable sampling site. A Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) was performed to establish how well correlated the two sites were.
Results
The mean nasal cavity mucosa temperature was warmer than the rectum at each time point (TP). The mean temperature difference between each TP (±SD) were TPI = 0.02 °C (±0.3), TP2 = 0.06 °C (±0.4), TP3 = 0.01 °C (±0.4). The two sites were strongly correlated at all time points: 1: r = 0.90 P < 0.001; 2: r = 0.92 P < 0.001; and 3: r = 0.92 P < 0.001.
Conclusion
The results of the study suggest that the nasal cavity mucosa can be used as an alternative temperature monitoring site, to the rectum, during general anaesthesia. The nasal cavity is more accessible during the majority of surgeries and may encourage more frequent temperature monitoring in practices that do not own multiparameter machines. However; users must be aware that the true temperature of the body that can be obtained from the rectum will be slightly lower than the reading obtained from the nasal cavity mucosa.
The impact of appreciating your veterinary nurses
Talitha Johnson | Royal Veterinary College
Introduction
There are currently insufficient registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) in the UK to meet demand, with concerns over long-term retention. Retention of RVNs could be increased by improving job satisfaction. Studies in other professions demonstrate that being shown appreciation in the workplace is an important contributing factor to job satisfaction. This study investigates the ways in which RVNs are appreciated by colleagues in their workplace; it explores the languages of appreciation RVNs feel are most commonly shown towards them and compares it to those they favour to be shown. It further investigates the influence appreciation may have on job satisfaction and retention levels of RVNs.
Methodology
A sample population of 389 RVNs completed an online questionnaire created using Jisc online surveys. The questionnaire was distributed to RVNs using various social media groups and forums such as ‘vet nurse chatter' and ‘vet nurse wish list' on Facebook, and on ‘Vetnurse.co.uk'. The questionnaire consisted of initial demographic questions including age, years qualified, and area and type of practice worked in. Multiple choice questions were used to investigate the type and frequency of appreciation shown, workplace dynamics, who appreciation was received by and intentions to leave the register. Chi-squared test was used to test associations between variables to investigate the impact appreciation may have on RVNs. The questionnaire was ended with an open comments section.
Results
Three quarters of respondents were aged 35 years or less; 71% qualified between 13 months and 16 years; 92% worked in corporately owned or independent practices which were first opinion (84%) and small animal based (87%); and the majority (48%) were based in the East and South of England.
Words of affirmation was the most preferred form of appreciation (52.4%), followed by quality time (21.6%); acts of service (19.5%); and tangible gifts (6.4%). A significant difference was observed between frequency of appreciation and overall level of satisfaction with appreciation shown (P < 0.001); a lower frequency decreases satisfaction. Of the 260 RVNs who were not satisfied 62.7% recalled the frequency of 1-2 times in the past month. Workplace culture significantly affected an RVN's intention to leave the register (P < 0.001). Of the 37 RNVs (n = 389) intending to leave the register 43.2% reported a negative culture and 27% said it was positive, whereas 64.2% of the 313 RVNs with intentions to stay reported a positive culture and only 12.1% reported it to be negative.
Conclusion
Frequency of appreciation appears to be a significant contributing factor towards an RVN's satisfaction and perception of the job. Positive workplace environments play a significant part in retention of qualified veterinary nurses on the register and in the workplace. Therefore, appreciation can be considered a step forward in promoting positivity by increasing satisfaction, thus increasing the retention of RVNs.
Veterinary Nursing Journal • VOL 34 • October 2019