HARTPURY_POSTGRADUATE_PROSPECTUS_2024

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VETERINARY CARE Enhancing wellbeing and promoting safer interactions in the veterinary waiting room. ENHANCING CANINE

Izzy advises that further exploration with a larger sample and practice variations is key to elevating patient wellbeing, whilst maintaining that implementing strategies to create a stress-free environment can minimise the chances of patient stress. This will result in a beneficial impact on the consultation process and any future visits to the medical practice. With 54 dogs (ages one-10) across five UK practices, the research assessed elements including flooring, seating, spacing, and scents, aligning them with patient behaviour. Key findings unveiled slippery floors and high levels of noise as fear catalysts in patients.

Creating a stress-free waiting area can diminish animal patient stress, enhance overall wellbeing, and promote safer interactions with owners and staff. The veterinary setting often induces stress in animal patients, harming their welfare and potentially leading to risky interactions. Veterinary Nursing Lecturer and Programme Manager, Izzy Riley is exploring how environmental factors influence fear-related behaviours in canine patients at vet practices.

There are many opportunities for students to get involved with research projects inside and outside their studies through dissertations, module briefs and voluntary roles .