Ethical challenges experienced by veterinary practitioners in relation to adverse events: Insights from a qualitative study

Gibson, Julie; Brennan, Marnie L.; Oxtoby, Catherine; Mossop, Liz; White, Kate

Abstract

Background
Understanding ethical challenges experienced in relation to adverse events is necessary to inform strategies that optimise patient safety and practitioner wellbeing.

Methods
A qualitative exploration of UK veterinary practitioners’ experiences of adverse events was conducted. Data were collected via 12 focus groups and 20 interviews and analysed using an inductive coding technique.

Results
Questions surrounding acceptable boundaries of care, decision-making autonomy, personal scope of practice, use of evidence and speaking up about patient safety concerns were identified as ethically challenging to practitioners when endeavouring to prevent adverse events. Issues of appropriate accountability, interaction and communication with animal owners and the prioritisation of emotional and technical support for themselves and others were identified as ethically challenging in the aftermath of adverse events.

Limitations
The qualitative nature of this study limits the generalisability of the findings.

Conclusions
Ethical challenges are experienced by veterinary practitioners in relation to both preventing and responding in the aftermath of adverse events. Strategies that facilitate ethical decision making and reflection and encourage openness and learning from adverse events would likely improve patient safety and enhance practitioner wellbeing. Further research is needed to develop and implement support for practitioners who experience ethical challenges in relation to adverse events.

Citation

Gibson, J., Brennan, M. L., Oxtoby, C., Mossop, L., & White, K. (2023). Ethical challenges experienced by veterinary practitioners in relation to adverse events: Insights from a qualitative study. Veterinary Record, 193(12), Article e3601. https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.3601

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 18, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Oct 30, 2023
• Publication Date: Dec 16, 2023
• Deposit Date: Dec 12, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 12, 2023
• Journal: Veterinary Record
• Print ISSN: 0042-4900
• Electronic ISSN: 2042-7670
• Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 193
• Issue: 12
• Article Number: e3601
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.3601
• Keywords: General Veterinary; General Medicine
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/26811664
• Publisher URL: https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/vetr.3601