Bella O'Connell, Veterinary Surgeon
Attended Training Roadshow - 5th Feb 2008
I found that the training roadshow course covered all areas of veterinary medicine that are not commonly done in general practice (due to lack of perceived expertise required and/or importance) but are not that difficult to do and are indeed important in order to practice better medicine. The course was therefore really valuable in terms of furthering my clinical expertise within this area.
The course was truly interactive and practical, with plenty of equipment for everyone to try every technique covered. I also found to course to be very well co-ordinated and with plenty of assistants to provide hands on demonstration and help.
Without a doubt I would recommend the courses. All the techniques covered are vitally important for example preforming an emergency tracheotomy. The booklet given out was also extremely useful as it was not only easy to follow but also contained all the information (and more!) given during the day, so has proven to be a great reference point. Overall in my opinion the amount of information imparted was not overwhelming and the practical nature ensured good retention of the techniques which made the event interesting, enjoyable and informative.
One thing I would like to add is a note of caution however, as once you have attended one of these roadshows if your anything like me you will have a case that requires at least one of the techniques learned, within 24 hours!
Amanda Kelso, Vet Nurse
Attended Training Roadshow - 24th January 2008
When you think CPD you tend to think hours of lectures, reading and exams which is why I was pleasantly surprised to find the hands on approach that the Vets Now Training Roadshows adopted. With simulated blood vessels, tracheas and thorax's galore it was a great opportunity to experiment with a variety of sterile equipment used for insertion of a central venous catheter, placing chest drains (both trocar and non-trocar), and performing emergency tracheostomies.
In addition, the lecture section of the workshop was also extremely useful covering tips like always placing feeding tubes into patients whom you would expect to not eat straight away due to their injuries while under their initial sedation or anaesthetic, rather than waiting for several days post trauma before deciding to perform either a nasogastric or oesophagostomy. The lecture also discussed aspects such as the importance of providing nutrients to maintain the gastrointestinal barrier which reduces the degree of bacterial translocation, and can prevent ulceration and ileus. What's more discussing systemic inflammatory response syndrome and approaches for administering oxygen therapy to dogs and cats also proved extremely valuable -not to mention the host of helpful hints and tips I picked up in an assortment of additional areas!
Moreover, what stood out for me was that the lecture section was also supplemented with interesting and thought provoking statistics, such as that only 27% of hospitalized patients in a recent survey received their resting energy requirements, which really got you thinking about how to improve clinical standards and drive to provide the best levels of care possible in order that your practice does not fall into that minority.
I think when it comes to defining what I found of most value I honestly find it hard to pick one thing, so I have picked four...
Firstly, the opportunity of practicing on the simulated blood vessels to insert a central venous catheter, to perform a tracheostomies, to introduce a Nasogastric tube, place an oesophagostomy tube, and chest drains; whilst being overseen by Ava Firth (Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care) certainly helped improve my skills base. Secondly, another big plus for me was definitely being able to practice on the dummy dogs with the various kits, which will enable me to help with performing all the techniques trialed on the day. Thirdly, the workshop style and lecture was unassuming which gave everyone the chance to give their input and ask those all important questions which really helped the learning process. Finally, I have to mention the company! - the roadshow was a great chance to get to know more vets and nurses within my local area and discuss veterinary practice with them, so that has to be my final plus!