Training for Uncertainty in Veterinary Education

Hammond, J., Jamieson, S. and Mellor, D. (2017) Training for Uncertainty in Veterinary Education. Rogano Meeting 2017, Helsinki, Finland, 30 Aug 2017.

Abstract

Uncertainty related to ambiguity, complexity and risk is ubiquitous in clinical practice and veterinarians need to be prepared to cope with this. Although novice veterinarians frequently experience uncertainty during clinical training and in the transition to professional practice, we don’t know how well current veterinary curricula prepare them to cope with this uncertainty. We need to understand how veterinarians learn to cope with uncertainty so that we can provide educational opportunities which facilitate the development of this capability. One element of my research was a qualitative case study exploring how students learned to cope with uncertainty in the context of an international elective rotation. I recorded clinical rounds discussions and completed semi-structured interviews with staff and students. Learning was conceptualised in terms of students gaining access to the ‘uncertainty work’ of a community of veterinary practice. Building trust and taking responsibility were key factors determining access to uncertainty work. One aim of this study was to address a specific issue in curriculum design. Having reached the final stages of this part of the research, my dilemma is how to disseminate and apply my findings. I hope to discuss how best the concept of uncertainty work could be used to promote reflection and debate within the veterinary profession and consider the challenges of applying the findings of a small-scale case study to the broader issue of curriculum design.

• Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item
• Status: Published
• Refereed: No
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Mellor, Professor Dominic and Hammond, Professor Jennifer and Jamieson, Professor Susan
• Authors: Hammond, J., Jamieson, S., and Mellor, D.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing