Better for vets

Human factors is becoming one of the most talked about topics in veterinary care as more professionals recognise the difference it can make to improving performance and working environments. Recent research has looked at the use of checklists in surgery, non-technical skills in vet nurses as well as improving communication in teams.

Last year saw the launch of the inaugural Veterinary Human Factors Conference and the online event returns next month. The theme of the two-day summit is ‘High-Performing Teams’ and the programme includes expert lectures, Q&A sessions, keynote talks and live networking opportunities.

Cat Auden, of human factors training specialists and conference organisers VetLed, said: “We all want to do a great job at work, but our clinical skills and knowledge are only one part of the picture of high performance in veterinary practice. Research has shown that adverse events in practice are rarely due to lack of technical ability. We think of performance in terms of winning a race, or being a high-flying executive, but what does a High Performing veterinary team look like, and how do we grow one?”

The conference runs 24-25 February. Find out more.

You can read more about the role of human factors in veterinary care in the next issue of The Ergonomist.