EPA 2: Diagnostic planning and test interpretation

Summary

Develop a diagnostic plan and interpret test results.

Description

Integrate individual animal or herd data to create a prioritised differential diagnostic list and determine a diagnostic plan, obtain informed consent for diagnostic testing and interpret results.

Developing a diagnostic action plan is an iterative, reflective process that requires continuous adaptation to avoid common errors of clinical reasoning.

Success criteria

To demonstrate the identification of relevant and accurate differential diagnoses to a consistently high standard, across the full range of clinical contexts relevant to your role, including:

• Across different animal species
• Clinical presentations
• Acute/chronic conditions
• Case complexities/data ambiguity
• Different degrees of client support and co-operation

Required competencies

The RCVS Day One Competences encompass a range of domains that may be relevant to this EPA. However, the key areas involved in performing this activity/practice are as follows:

• Veterinary capability
• Clinical reasoning
• Reflective relationships
• Communication
• Collaboration
• Professional commitment
• Self-awareness and self-reflection