Vets and veterinary nurses are naturally innovative. We all go into practice with a strong desire to deliver the best care for our patients, so naturally we are also keen to develop ways of providing that care in better ways. During our education, we are exposed to the research on which best practice is based. But there is also a desire to constantly add to this evidence-base – to do things better and more efficiently.
There is considerable experience residing within the practice environment that has contributed significantly to advances in medicine and surgery, an example of which is the expansion of standing surgical procedures in equine practice. Initiatives such as the Royal Veterinary College’s “Vet Compass” programme are beginning to provide mechanisms to unlock some of the valuable data from clinical practice. However, research and development is happening outside these initiatives on a daily basis in general practice, even though many do not realise it!
There is considerable experience residing within the practice environment that has contributed significantly to advances in medicine and surgery
We know from the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA)’s most recent membership survey that 43 percent of respondents would like to be involved in veterinary research in some capacity. This involvement in research and development can contribute to job satisfaction and thereby benefit recruitment and retention – something much-needed in the current equine veterinary industry. However, therein lies the issue: the daily job takes up too much time, and there are no funds to support time out of the clinic despite the interest… or are there?
How can I get involved in veterinary research and development?
Many vets believe the only opportunity to undertake research is within a university environment, which requires registration on a specific degree course and a corresponding time commitment that is full- or part-time. While this remains an excellent way to gain research training, it is impractical for busy veterinary practitioners who cannot afford to leave practice to follow this path. However, there are opportunities to get involved in research and development on a smaller scale. These smaller-scale projects can be part of a veterinary practice job or smaller projects that take up much less time and fit into the normal working week (Table 1).
Smaller-scale projects can be part of a veterinary practice job or smaller projects that take up much less time and fit into the normal working week
These smaller projects don’t necessarily lead to publication (although they can, if they are well structured), but they can be highly relevant to the individual practice. They can even qualify as legitimate research and development for which there is a government scheme of R&D tax credits available to support them.
| Qualification | Activity | Time commitment | Funding | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhD | Level 8 qualification in research training | Three years full-time, or six years or more part-time | Multiple sources varying from UK research and innovation funding agencies to smaller charities (eg the Horserace Betting Levy Board) | Possible to immerse yourself in original research Produces publications/presentations Currency for an academic career | Requires grant application for stipend, which can take time (and expertise) to write Big commitment with relatively low level of pay |
| DProf* (or similar) | Level 8 qualification | Six years or more part-time | Relatively few opportunities for funding | Enables focus on a clinically relevant topic | Time-commitment is large; often spread over a very long period |
| Masters | Level 7 qualification | One year full-time, or two years or more part-time | Same funding sources as PhD but less readily available | Enables clinicians to experience academic research | Requires one year out of clinical practice, or when part-time dovetailed with a part-time clinical job |
| No qualification | Practice-based research | Variable – from 0.5 days per week to full-time for short periods of time | Commercially orientated available grant funding for companies (eg Innovate UK). Needs academic partner) Newer clinically focused grant schemes (eg from CVS) | Good for specific research projects – often with a commercial goal | Requires grant application for stipend, which can take time (and expertise) to write |
| No qualification | Practice-based research | Variable – from 0.5 days per week to full-time for short periods | R&D tax credits | Full flexibility of topic Encompasses many qualifying activities already part of the job Enables focus on topics of value to the individual practice | Requires expertise in the government scheme Requires involvement in interviews to document qualifying spend |
An in-practice research and development course to look out for
To inform and encourage the involvement of practitioners in this area, BEVA has developed a specific online course which will run as a live event on Wednesday 6 December 2023. (It will also be recorded for subsequent viewing.) The course will be divided into two three-hour sessions.
The first session will begin with an introductory talk from Sally Gunnell, OBE, a well-known successful Olympian who won the gold medal at the 1992 Olympics in the 400 metres hurdles, which will focus on performance and achieving goals. She is particularly interested in mentoring young professionals to maximise productivity and, most importantly, job satisfaction.
To inform and encourage the involvement of practitioners in [in-practice research and development], BEVA has developed a specific online course
Following this, the next session will cover the research and innovation possibilities available within general practice and how these can fit into everyday practice life. It will cover possibilities ranging from part-time research programmes that lead to specific qualifications to small projects that can enhance your practice’s productivity and efficiency.
Finally, a specialist from an international accountancy firm will review the government-run incentive schemes ideally suited to provide financial support for these research and development activities. They will focus on a key example of in-house research increasingly being considered important, namely the clinical audit. This session will cover strategies for setting up and running a clinical audit in general practice and how it can contribute to practice productivity and efficiency.
| For more information and to register for BEVA’s online course, go to the BEVA website. |
