EPA 3

Develop and implement a management / treatment plan

Description

Utilise working diagnosis and client considerations to formulate a management/treatment plan for an individual animal or herd (including referral or euthanasia when warranted), implement the plan and adjust based on response.

Developing a management/treatment plan is an iterative, reflective process that requires synthesis of medical, ethical, legal and economic factors, as well as knowledge of the strengths and limitations of the client, veterinarian, team and facilities.  Implementation of the plan includes performance of veterinary procedures (including surgery), team collaboration, clear communication and client education and the responsible use of veterinary medicines for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes.

Euthanasia is an important part of veterinary work and requires an understanding of both the legal, ethical issues and the practicalities. The primary purpose of euthanasia is to relieve suffering. The decision to follow this option will be based on an assessment of many factors. These may include the extent and nature of the disease or injuries, other treatment options, the prognosis and potential quality of life after treatment, the availability and likelihood of success of treatment, the animal’s age and/or other disease/health status, the owner’s wishes and the ability of the owner to pay for private treatment.

Discussions with owners about the difficult decision to euthanise their pet show compassion and empathy. 

Aiming for... (success criteria)

To have demonstrated the development and implementation of effective management / treatment plans which have resulted in optimal outcomes (including referral or euthanasia where warranted), across a range of patient and case types relevant to their role, and the adaptation of plans when appropriate.

It is expected that the graduate will be independently developing, revisiting and adapting management plans appropriately for;

1. different species,
2. clinical conditions,
3. case complexities,
4. social / economic factors within their role
5. different sized populations

Required competences

There is the potential for all domains within the 2020 RCVS Day One Competences to be relevant to this EPA, however the key areas involved in performance of this activity/ area of practice are as follows;

Veterinary capability

• Clinical reasoning
• Individual animal
• Animal population care & management

Reflective relationships

• Communication
• Collaboration

Professional commitment 

• Business / finance

Professional leadership

• Professionalism