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GUIDANCE ON THE PDP FOR EMPLOYERS

The Professional Development Phase (PDP) has been developed to help support new veterinary graduates as

they begin their careers in clinical practice. It is compulsory for all those working in clinical practice who

graduated since 2007. It is likely that you have been given this document because one of the new assistants

in your practice is about to embark on the PDP, or has already started using it.

The purpose of the first section of this guide is to help answer any questions you may have about the PDP

and to offer you guidance on supporting the new graduates in your practice who are enrolled on it.

The PDP aims to help new graduates turn their Day One Competences, the set of skills with which they leave

veterinary school, into Year One Competences. A list of the latter is to be found in section two. Finally, in

section three you will find the clinical procedures checklists that new graduates fill out on the PDP. To view

the PDP itself, visit http://pdp.rcvs.org.uk.

If you have a new graduate in your practice who is not yet enrolled on the PDP, please encourage them to

email us for a password so they can get started: [email protected]

The aim of the Professional Development Phase is to provide a structure whereby new graduates can contin-

ue to develop their professional and clinical skills, reflect on their progress and plan their future professional

development. The PDP system is also useful for veterinary surgeons who are returning to work after a career

break, or moving to a different area of work - for example, from small animal to equine practice.

The PDP provides a logical link between undergraduate and postgraduate development. The veterinary degree

equips graduates with the essential “Day One Competences” needed for safe practice immediately on gradu-

ation, but these are only a starting point. The new graduate’s professional competence needs to be further

developed in a structured manner during the first year or so in practice until they can perform confidently as

a fully effective professional in the work place. PDP is therefore the first step in the new graduate’s

Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

To complete the PDP the new graduate must keep a brief, accurate and honest record (remember that on

completion they will have to sign a declaration in the same way that they would have to sign a certificate), of

their clinical cases against a list of clinical skills and procedures, and is encouraged to reflect on how they

are progressing in meeting the Year One Competences. It is a self-assessment system, which aims to instill

a conscious and conscientious approach to professional learning.

RCVS strongly recommends that all new graduates undertake PDP, whether they graduated in the UK or else-

where. It is not a legal requirement, but is a professional obligation, in the same way that undertaking CPD

is an obligation set out in the Guide to Professional Conduct. Undertaking PDP does not affect the member-

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SECTION 1: GUIDANCE ON THE PDP FOR EMPLOYERS

What is the Professional Development Phase?

About this document

Status of the PDP

ship status of the new graduate – they are legally qualified to practise as veterinary surgeons as they are full

members of RCVS. It is, however, an acknowledgement of their relative inexperience and their need for sup-

port from more senior colleagues.

In order to enrol for an RCVS Certificate at a later stage, anyone who has graduated since 2007 will need to

complete their PDP before they enrol. Having undertaken sufficient appropriate CPD has always been a

requirement before entering for RCVS examinations, and completing the PDP helps to confirm that a

Certificate candidate has had a broad grounding in clinical practice before they embark on a further qualifi-

cation. New graduates who are planning to take a Certificate in the future are therefore strongly urged to

complete their PDP. Its completion may also be taken into account during the investigation of a complaint.

The PDP is run through a password-protected web-based database in which the graduate keeps a tally of

their cases under various clinical headings relating to either small animal, equine or farm animal practice (or

a combination of the three). They can keep brief notes on their experience under each skill area and on

their general performance, as well as keeping an action plan and diary of their professional development.

It is the new graduate’s responsibility to register to use the PDP database, which they do by emailing

[email protected] to be allocated a password. They are given instructions on this when they graduate and first

register as a Member of RCVS. The database contains full guidance for the graduate on how to complete

their PDP record.

The database includes dynamic bar charts which show how the graduate’s case numbers in the various areas

compare to others in their cohort. The charts are only a very general guide, but can be useful for the gradu-

ate to see how their experience is building up over time compared to others in their year group.

In addition to the graduate, one of the RCVS appointed Postgraduate Deans will have access to some of their

record in order to answer queries and to check periodically how they are progressing. The PDP administrator

at RCVS will also have access for administrative purposes. However, RCVS and the Postgraduate Dean DO

NOT have access to the confidential diary and action plan section of the graduate’s record. These are com-

pletely confidential to the graduate. It is up to the graduate to decide whether they want to give their

employer access to their online record. It is quite understandable and reasonable if they don’t – many could

be inhibited from recording their personal notes and reflections in the confidential diary section if they felt

their employer was looking over their shoulder! However, you could ask them to print out their list of clinical

skills to use as the basis of your continuing appraisals with them. These should be a matter of fact and

hence uncontroversial.

You can view a sample of the PDP database, without a password, by clicking on the ‘preview’ screen at

http://pdp.rcvs.org.uk. You cannot save records on this preview version, but it may help to get an idea of

what’s involved.

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The PDP database

Access to the PDP database

The PDP is based around a set of generic “Year One Competences” that a veterinary surgeon should normally

have acquired after about a year in practice. These are supplemented by the list of clinical skills and proce-

dures covering small animal, equine, and farm animal practice, which RCVS developed in consultation with

the profession, and against which the new graduate records their day to day experience in clinical practice.

The Year One Competences cover the same general areas as the Day One Competences, which set the mini-

mum standard for graduation, but with the expectation that at the end of PDP the graduate “will be able to

perform a range of common clinical procedures, or manage them without close supervision, in a reasonable

period of time and with a high probability of a successful outcome”. This is the standard that the graduate

is asked to apply when making a judgement about their competence. They must also consider not only their

clinical skills, but their general professional skills and attributes, which are set out in the generic Year One

Competences.

The RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct states that: “New graduates must be supported and assisted by

senior colleagues until they are confident of their own ability to provide a full professional service. It is

strongly recommended that employers of new graduates support their continued development through an

appropriate appraisal system, to enable them to complete the RCVS PDP.”

The PDP will be more effective if the graduate can discuss their performance and development with a senior

colleague who will act as their mentor. The mentor should be familiar with their work, and should be the

graduate’s first point of contact if they experience a problem and need to seek advice about their work. It will

help if the employer allows the graduate some time each week to complete their PDP records. It should take

no longer than about 10 minutes, if done regularly.

Opportunities to take part in performance appraisal will vary from practice to practice and in many cases

may be informal. Practices accredited under the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme need to ensure that the

CPD records of their staff are up to date, and practices accredited at Tier 2 will have systems for monitoring

and discussing the clinical outcome of common procedures. So the PDP can form a central part of your

appraisal meetings with a new graduate employee and will thus serve as evidence that the graduate is under-

taking their CPD. If you use PDP records to talk about the outcome of clinical cases, this may also show

that the practice is monitoring its performance.

If the practice does not have a formal appraisal system in place, the employer should still make some time

available on a regular basis to discuss how the graduate is progressing so they can have an informed third

party’s view of their progress. This need not take long, but it would help to fix up some dates in advance, so

the graduate knows what to expect and can be prepared with any questions and concerns they might want to

raise with you.

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The Year One Competences

The employer’s role in the PDP

As the employer, you are not asked to formally examine or assess the graduate’s Year One Competence for

the purposes of PDP (although of course as an employer you’ll want to make a judgement about their compe-

tence on a regular basis in order to decide what level of responsibility you are prepared to let them have in

your practice).

The PDP is based on the concept of self-assessment, which is all part of encouraging the graduate to have a

realistic view of their professional competence. When they think they have enough experience in the area in

which they are working to warrant a claim to Year One Competence in either small animal, equine, farm ani-

mal or mixed practice, they will need to print out and sign the declaration which can be downloaded from

the PDP database. As the employer, you will also need to countersign the form to confirm that the graduate

has taken part in the process, and that you have discussed their PDP records with them.

At the start of the PDP, each new graduate is allocated to an RCVS-appointed Postgraduate Dean who is

available online to provide guidance about completion of the records. When the graduate claims Year One

Competence, the RCVS Postgraduate Dean will review their records online before confirming that they’ve

completed the PDP. Once it’s confirmed by the Postgraduate Dean, the RCVS will send a completion certifi-

cate to the graduate. After completion, the graduate will still be able to view their records online if they

wish (for example, to print off a record of what they’ve achieved), but won’t be able to add any further case

numbers for the species area in which they’ve claimed Year One Competence. If they decide to move into a

different area of practice later on, they may come back to the PDP system and continue completing their

records in a different species area. This would be good practice to follow, but it would be up to you as their

employer to decide whether you required them to do this. If they want to reactivate their PDP record, they

should contact the RCVS at [email protected], explaining the background. A certificate of completion in the

second or subsequent species area can be issued once confirmed by the Postgraduate Dean.

The PDP is more than just filling in case numbers. To get the most out of the PDP, the new graduate should

review their progress continually, making a conscious effort to fine-tune their skills and learn from experi-

ence. The PDP system is there to encourage them to think about what they are doing so they can build on

their successes and learn from their mistakes.

As an employer, you can help by encouraging them to keep their records up to date. Ask if you can see a

printout of their skills log, as this will help to structure any appraisal discussion. Look at the balance of the

experience they are getting. If they are short on experience in some areas, see if it would be possible to

switch rotas so that they can see a different range of cases. You may want to consider letting them see prac-

tice elsewhere for a short period if this would help to broaden the range of cases they see. This could be a

valuable adjunct to their CPD. If they are having difficulty with some procedures, try to be supportive and

remember that not everyone can get things right first time. Perhaps arrange for them to have additional

supervision until they are confident in those procedures. Also look at the list of general competences as a

guide to areas where they may need further training, perhaps by attending some external courses, or by fur-

ther reading. Don’t overlook generic professional competences, such as communication skills, or practice

and business management.

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Is it just a matter of ticking boxes?

Who signs off the PDP?

PDP is not time-bound. Although we talk about “Year One Competence”, it doesn’t mean that PDP has to

be completed in just one year. Some graduates may complete in a shorter time, some longer. It depends on

their caseload. It will probably take longer than a year for someone who wants to complete their PDP in

genuinely mixed practice as they will need to gain broad experience across all three areas, rather than in just

one or two. They could, if they wanted, complete PDP in the context of, say, small animals, then return to it

later to complete their records in equine and/or farm animal practice or vice versa. However, it is quite

acceptable to complete the PDP in the context of just one main species area, eg. small animal practice.

The PDP needn’t be undertaken just in one practice or post; if the graduate changes jobs, they can continue

their PDP in their second or subsequent posts. If a new graduate is undertaking locum work, they can use

this experience towards their PDP record. However, the RCVS does not recommend that a new graduate

undertakes unsupported locum work. A new graduate should not normally be left in sole charge unless they

have easy and quick access to support from a more senior colleague.

The question is often asked about how interns working in hospital clinics or in specialist referral practices

can undertake PDP. To complete PDP, graduates will need involvement with first opinion cases, and will also

need to have primary responsibility for the clinical decision, which is one of the main competences that need

to be developed during PDP. Interns may be able to complete some of the Year One Competences but they

have to accept that they may need to go into general practice for a period of time to complete the rest of

their experience. It would be helpful if institutions and specialist practices employing interns make it clear

that interns may not be able to complete their PDP there because of limited exposure to a varied workload or

because they may not have primary responsibility for their cases.

Universities and other institutions may need to review their internships, and should be encouraged to distin-

guish in adverts between ‘PDP conforming internships’ and ‘PDP non-conforming internships’, which would

help to provide greater transparency for new graduates.

In addition to recording case numbers, it is also important that graduates make good use of the free text

notes section under the various clinical skills headings. Making such notes is all part of the learning process

and, over time, should help graduates see how they are progressing. They should be encouraged to make

notes based on their personal reflections, for example, on how they felt they coped with a particular case or

procedure, and what they might need to do to improve their performance in a particular area. This need only

be brief. For example, ‘problems doing IVs in dogs using the cephalic vein; probably need to make sure vein

is suitably raised and blood aspirates easily before injecting’. Then perhaps later in the notes: ‘Much better

at doing IVs, fewer haematomas’. Another example would be ‘feel competent with positioning, collimating,

taking and processing radiographs. Would like to become more competent at interpreting radiographs, often

unsure about clinical signifcance of findings’.

How can graduates complete their PDP records more effectively?

Internships and PDP

How long should PDP take?

5

Once the graduate feels competent with a particular procedure, they can indicate this in the notes section,

and not record any more case numbers for that particular procedure. They don’t need to keep counting every

time they take a blood sample!

Once in a while a procedure they are undertaking may not ‘fit’ with the PDP template. In such cases, the

graduate should use the category which fits the closest and add a suitable note to explain the position.

Many skill areas are prefaced with the phrase “clinical assessment and management of”. Some of these may

sound fairly advanced, but bear in mind that graduates are not expected at this stage to be dealing com-

pletely on their own with complicated cases which may fall under these headings, especially if it’s beyond

their current competence. However, they may be dealing with cases coming into the practice which fit under

these headings where they are making the initial clinical assessment, seeking help from a colleague with a

diagnosis and treatment plan or even referring the case on to a specialist. If the graduate handles the

ongoing management and oversight of the case, then it can be included in their record. Again - the graduate

should remember to add notes to show what their involvement has been.

The RCVS will allocate every graduate to a Postgraduate Dean when they are issued with a password for the

system. The Postgraduate Dean will monitor their progress online from time to time, and will be the point of

contact for assistance with the PDP database. The appointed Postgraduate Dean will also review and sign-off

the record once the graduate submits the PDP declaration form. The Postgraduate Dean is not there to

advise on personal problems or employment matters although, if such issues are raised, they may refer the

graduate on to other sources of support.

The main indication that the graduate has completed their PDP is if they are able to perform a range of com-

mon clinical procedures, or manage them without close supervision, in a reasonable period of time and with

a high probability of a successful outcome. The common clinical procedures are those listed in the PDP

database.

The Postgraduate Dean, when looking at the record to confirm completion, will look for a broad range of

experience across the majority of skill areas, as well as evidence through the notes, that the graduate has

assessed their performance against the generic Year One Competences. This isn’t black and white and there

isn’t a mathematical formula to determine the “correct” number of cases. Ideally, all skills and procedures

will have been covered for one or other of the species areas, although this may vary from individual to indi-

vidual. Sometimes, knowledge and experience is transferable from one species area to another, so there may

some case numbers entered across two or three species areas, even though the graduate is aiming to com-

plete PDP in the context of one species area only. If in doubt, the graduate can email their Postgraduate

Dean and ask for guidance. The Postgraduate Dean will review their records and advise on any areas that

look ‘light’ compared to the average.

What standard is a new graduate expected to meet by the end of their PDP?

What is the role of an appointed Postgraduate Dean?

6

When the graduate believes that they have gained sufficient experience in their area of practice to meet the

Year One Competences they are invited to submit a declaration to this effect to the RCVS. As mentioned

above, a senior colleague or other mentor in the practice is asked to counter-sign the graduate’s declaration

to confirm that there has been a discussion about their performance, and that they have seen the record of

procedures as supporting evidence. The colleague or mentor in practice is not asked to assess the graduate’s

competence. In signing their PDP declaration, the graduate should be reminded of the hazards of false

certification.

All newly qualified graduates from 2007 onwards are required to complete the PDP regardless of where they

qualified. Anyone who is returning to work after a career break is also encouraged to use the system until

they feel they have adequately refreshed their skills.

The PDP will be most successful where there is active collaboration between the new graduate and senior

practice colleagues. For the new graduate, participation in the PDP demonstrates that they are taking their

continued professional development seriously, and it will help them to identify their training needs more

effectively. Using the PDP database provides them with a record of their clinical skills, which can be bench-

marked against others in their year group. This can help to relieve some of the uncertainty and stress that

often comes with that first job after university. Online access to an experienced Postgraduate Dean is also

another sources of advice and support. Undertaking PDP is, in effect, the first year of their Continuing

Professional Development and, if undertaken conscientiously with support from their employer, may meet

their RCVS CPD obligations in full. PDP graduates also receive 50% discount on RCVS Library membership

and related services, providing them with access to a wealth of information resources, including online

access to journals.

For employers, the PDP system provides a ready-made structure for staff appraisal, and could be a useful

adjunct to CVs when recruiting new staff in the future. There is also some evidence to show that new grad-

uates tend to stay longer in jobs where employers are supportive of their development. By promoting PDP in

your practice, you will be promoting good employment practice and therefore be in a better position to

attract good applicants to any vacant posts. You will also be able to show that you take your staff’s CPD seri-

ously, as required by the RCVS’s Practice Standards Scheme.

There is a wealth of literature and guidance available on how to run effective appraisals. As a first port of

call, try the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), at www.cipd.co.uk

Who needs to undertake the PDP?

7

Guidance on appraisals

What are the benefits of signing up for PDP?

RCVS Education Department

T 020 7202 0778

E [email protected]

W www.rcvs.org.uk/pdp

8

Who to contact at RCVS for more information

SECTION 2: THE YEAR ONE COMPETENCES

At the end of approximately one year in practice, veterinary surgeons should be able to show that they can:

A.1 Communicate effectively with clients, the lay public, professional colleagues and responsible authori-

ties; listen effectively and respond sympathetically to clients and others, using language in a form

appropriate to the audience and the context.

(This should have been demonstrated to the satisfaction of the practice principal.)

A.2 Prepare clear case reports and maintain patient records in a form satisfactory to colleagues and under-

standable by the public.

(Evidence to demonstrate competence should be available.)

A.3 Work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in the delivery of services to clients.

(This should have been demonstrated as above.)

A.4. Be aware of the ethical responsibilities of the veterinary surgeon in relation to individual patient care

and client relations, and also more generally in the community in relation to their possible impact on

the environment and society as a whole.

(Practical demonstration of ability in these areas could include the application of ethics to the process

of supersession or referral, the handling of an awkward euthanasia case or a case involving cruelty.)

A.5 Be aware of the economic and emotional climate in which the veterinary surgeon operates, and

respond appropriately to the influence of such pressures.

(A demonstration of understanding would include the handling of cases where economic considera-

tions influenced the outcome or process showing how the veterinary surgeon responded to the issues.)

A.6 Be willing to use one’s professional capabilities to contribute as far as possible to the advancement of

veterinary knowledge in order to benefit veterinary practice and further improve the quality of animal

care and public health.

A.7 Have developed an understanding of the organisation and management of a veterinary practice,

including:• understanding of own and employer’s responsibilities in relation to employment and health and safety

legislation, and the position relating to lay staff and public liability;

• understanding of how fees are calculated and invoices drawn up, and the importance of following the practice’s systems for record-keeping and book-keeping, including computer records and case reports;

• ability to use information technology effectively to communicate, share, collect, manipulate and analyse information;

• importance of complying with professional standards and policies of the practice; and,

• demonstrate understanding of the above by clear practical application on a day to day basis in the practice.

A - General Professional Skills and Attributes

9

A.8 Understand the need and professional obligation for a commitment to continuing education and train-

ing, and professional development, throughout one’s professional life.

A.9 Conduct oneself in a professional manner with regard to the veterinary surgeon’s professional and legal

responsibilities and understand and apply the ethical codes as set out in the RCVS Guide to

Professional Conduct.

A.10. Be able to cope with uncertainty and adapt to change.

A.11 Develop a capacity for self-audit and willingness to participate in the peer-review process.

A.12 Be aware of personal limitations, and demonstrate awareness of when and from where to seek profes-

sional advice, assistance and support.

(Commentary: This last item is considered to be one of the most important, and should guide all vet-

erinary surgeons when undertaking their professional duties. Veterinary surgeons undertaking proce-

dures on patients must at all stages in their careers be fully competent in their performance, or be

under the close supervision of those so competent. When in doubt, the veterinary surgeon must seek

professional support and in the interests of animal and human health, should not attempt to undertake

complex procedures with which they are unfamiliar unsupervised.)

Veterinary surgeons will have acquired a wide scientific background by the time they first graduate.

After graduation, this underpinning knowledge must be kept up to date and applied to the area in

which the individual has chosen to work. The veterinary surgeon should therefore ensure that they

maintain their knowledge and understanding of the following:

B2.1 The sciences on which the activities of veterinary surgeons are based;

B2.2 Research methods and the contribution of basic and applied research to all aspects of veterinary

science;

B2.3 How to evaluate evidence;

B2.4 The structure and functions of healthy animals, and all aspects of their husbandry;

B2.5 The aetiology, pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis and treatment of the common diseases and disor-

ders that occur in the common domestic species in the UK;

B2.6 Legislation relating to the welfare (including transport) of animals and notifiable diseases;

B2.7 Medicines legislation and guidelines on responsible use of medicines;

B2.8 The principles of disease prevention and the promotion of health and welfare; and,

B2.9 Veterinary public health issues, including zoonoses.

B - Underpinning Knowledge and Understanding

10

By the end of their first year in practice, veterinary surgeons should be able to demonstrate their com-

petence, in relation to their chosen area of practice, in the following areas:

C.1 Obtain an accurate and relevant history of the individual animal or animal group, and its/their environ-

ment.

C.2 Handle and restrain animals safely and humanely, and instruct others in performing these techniques.

C.3 Perform a complete clinical examination and develop a differential diagnosis allied to an approach for

making a specific diagnosis.

C.4 Attend all species in an emergency and perform basic first aid, and be able to provide advanced criti-

cal care for the species for which special training has been given.

(Commentary: problems to be handled for any species include first aid management of haemorrhage,

wounds, breathing difficulties, eye and ear injuries, unconsciousness, clinical deterioration, burns, tis-

sue damage, internal organ damage and cardiac arrest. First aid to be applied includes bandaging,

cleaning, immobilising limbs, resuscitation procedures, haemorrhage control.)

C.5 Assess correctly the nutritional status of animals and advise clients on principles of husbandry and

feeding, particularly in relation to the selected species.

C.6 Collect, preserve and transport samples, perform standard laboratory tests, and interpret the results of

those generated in-house, as well as those generated by other laboratories.

(Commentary: tests to be undertaken include conditions relating to infectious and contagious diseases;

alimentary system; respiratory system; circulatory system; urinary system; nervous system; endocrine

system; mucucutaneous system; musculoskeletal system; trauma; poisoning; obstetrics; paediatrics;

parturition; reproduction.)

C.7 Use radiographic, ultrasonic, and other technical equipment which can be used as a diagnostic aid,

safely and in accordance with current regulations.

(By the end of the first year in practice, the veterinary surgeon should be able to interpret images cor-

rectly from the more common conditions encountered in the selected species.)

C.8 Follow correct procedures after diagnosing notifiable, reportable and zoonotic diseases.

C.9 Know and apply the RCVS twelve Principles of Certification correctly.

C.10 Access the appropriate sources of data on licensed medicines; prescribe and dispense medicines cor-

rectly and responsibly in accordance with relevant legislation and ensure that medicines and waste are

safely stored and/or disposed of.

C.11 Correctly apply principles of sterilisation of surgical equipment.

C - Practical Competences

11

C.12 Correctly apply principles of aseptic surgery.

C.13 Safely perform sedation, general and regional anaesthesia, implement chemical methods of restraint,

and assess and control pain.

C.14 Advise on, and administer appropriate treatment.

(By the end of the first year in practice, the veterinary surgeon should be able to provide evidence that

a selection of common medical conditions in the selected species have been diagnosed and appropri-

ately and successfully treated.)

C.15 Recognise when euthanasia is necessary and perform it humanely, using an appropriate method, whilst

showing sensitivity to the feelings of owners and others, and with due regard to the safety of those

present; advise on disposal of the carcase.

C.16 Perform post-mortem examinations, record details, sample tissues, store and transport them.

C.17 Where appropriate, perform ante-mortem inspection of animals destined for the food chain and cor-

rectly identify conditions affecting the quality and safety of products of animal origin.

C.18 Assess and implement basic health and welfare records (and production records where appropriate).

C.19 Advise on, and carry out preventive and prophylactic programmes appropriate to the species and com-

mensurate with accepted animal health, welfare and public health standards, seeking advice and

assistance where necessary from professional colleagues.

C.20 Minimise the risks of contamination, cross infection and accumulation of pathogens in the veterinary

premises and in the field.

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RCVS YEAR ONE CLINICAL PROCEDURES CHECKLIST

Small animals Equine Farm animals

Nos. of cases Nos. of cases Nos. of cases

DIAGNOSTICS

Sample Collection

Blood

Urine

Faeces

Skin Scraping

Tissue Biopsy n/a

Vaginal Swabs n/a n/a

Milk n/a n/a

Data Interpretation

Blood

Urine

Faeces

Skin Scraping

Tissue Biopsy n/a

Milk n/a n/a

Interpretation of Anthrax blood smears n/a n/a

SECTION 3: CLINICAL PROCEDURES CHECKLISTS

The PDP can be completed in the context of small animal, equine or farm animal practice, or any combina-

tion of these three.

RCVS YEAR ONE CLINICAL PROCEDURES CHECKLIST



DIAGNOSTICS

Sample Collection

Blood

Urine

Faeces

Skin Scraping

Tissue Biopsy n/a

Vaginal Swabs n/a n/a

Milk n/a n/a

Data Interpretation

Blood

Urine

Faeces

Skin Scraping

Tissue Biopsy n/a

Milk n/a n/a

Interpretation of Anthrax blood smears n/a n/a

13

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(Diagnostics continued…)Nos. of cases Nos. of cases Nos. of cases

Imaging

Radiography n/a

Radiological Interpretation n/a

Transcutaneous Ultrasound Imaging

Transrectal Ultrasound Imaging n/a

Endoscopy n/a

Necropsy

Performing Necropsies

Necropsy Sample Collection

Interpretation of Necropsy Findings

ANAESTHESIA

Sedation

Local

Regional

General

Pain Management

CRITICAL CARE

Patient Assessment and Planning

Fluid Therapy

Implementation of Therapy

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EUTHANASIA

Client Management

Clinical Judgement for Euthanasia

Techniques of Euthanasia

SURGERY

Basic Surgery

Wound Management

Excision of Small Tumours and Cysts n/a

Cat Spay n/a n/a

Castration (routine)

Abscess Drainage

Dental Hygiene and Tooth Removal n/a n/a

Dental Management and Wolf Tooth Removal n/a n/a

Disbudding n/a n/a

Dehorning n/a n/a

Exploration of Foot Lesion

Teat Surgery n/a n/a

Routine Surgery

Laparotomy n/a

Bitch Spay n/a n/a

Gastrointestinal Surgery n/a

Urological Surgery n/a

Castration (with complications)

Caesarean Section n/a

16


(Routine Surgery continued…)Nos. of cases Nos. of cases Nos. of cases

Umbilical Hernia Repair

Amputation of Digit n/a

Rumenotomy n/a n/a

Left Displaced Abomasum n/a n/a

Vasectomy n/a

0B General Fracture Management

Other surgical procedures not listed elsewhere

CARDIO-RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

Clinical Assessment & Management of AirwayDisease Clinical Assessment & Management of Pulmonary Disease Clinical Assessment & Management of Cardiac Disease Clinical Assessment & Management of Vascular Disease

Undertaking & Interpreting ECGs n/a

ALIMENTARY SYSTEM

Clinical Assessment & Management of Oesophageal Disease Clinical Assessment & Management of Gastric Disease Clinical Assessment & Management of Intestinal Disease Clinical Assessment & Management of Hepatobillary Disease Clinical Assessment & Management of Pancreatic Disease n/a

Clinical Assessment & Management of Colorectal Disease Clinical Assessment & Management of Rumenal Conditions n/a n/a

Clinical Assessment & Management of Colic/Abdominal Catastrophes

17



URINARY SYSTEM

Clinical Assessment & Management of Chronic Renal Disease Clinical Assessment & Management of Urinary Bladder DiseaseClinical Assessment & Management of Acute Urinary Obstruction

DERMATOLOGY

Clinical Assessment & Management of Infectious Cutaneous Disease Clinical Assessment & Management of Cutaneous Parasitic Disease Clinical Assessment & Management of Cutaneous Allergic Disease n/a

Clinical Assessment & Management of Cutaneous Neoplastic Disease Clinical Assessment & Management of Cutaneous Endocrine Disease n/a

Clinical Assessment & Management of Otitis n/a

OPHTHALMOLOGY

Clinical Assessment & Management of Ocular Disease n/a n/a

Clinical Assessment & Management of Ocular Discharge n/a

Clinical Assessment & Management of Ocular Injury n/a

Clinical Assessment & Management of Blepharospasm n/a

Clinical Assessment & Management of Eyelid Disease n/a

Clinical Assessment & Management of Corneal Ulceration n/a

Clinical Assessment & Management of Conjunctivitis n/a

Clinical Assessment & Management of Uveitis n/a

Clinical Assessment & Management of Intra-ocular Pressure n/a

18



ENDOCRINOLOGY

Clinical Assessment & Management of Adrenal Disease n/a

Clinical Assessment & Management of Thyroid Disease n/a

Clinical Assessment & Management of Diabetes n/a

MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM

Clinical Assessment & Management of Joint Problems

Clinical Assessment & Management of Neck Problems

Clinical Assessment & Management of Back Problems

Clinical Assessment & Management of Limb Problems

Clinical Assessment & Management of Foot/Hoof Problems

Diagnostic Local Anaesthesia n/a n/a

NEUROLOGY

Clinical Assessment & Management of Paralysis

Clinical Assessment & Management of Vestibular Syndrome n/a n/a

Clinical Assessment & Management of Traumatic Injury

Clinical Assessment & Management of Neurogenic Lameness Clinical Assessment & Management of Infectious Neurological Disease Clinical Assessment & Management of Developmental (congenital) Neurological Conditions

Clinical Assessment & Management of Seizures

19



REPRODUCTION/OBSTETRICS

Pregnancy Diagnosis

Pre-breeding Examination

Fertility Management

Synchronisation Programmes n/a n/a

Normal Parturition

Clinical Assessment & Management of the Neonate

Dystocia n/a

Prostatic Disease n/a n/a

Pyometra/Metritis

Infertility

Retained Foetal Membranes

Diagnosis & Control of Venereal Disease

Uterine Prolapse n/a

Cervico-vaginal Prolapse n/a n/a

Puerperal Metritis/Endometritis

Penile/Preputial Conditions

20

POPULATION MEDICINE – ASSESSMENT & PLANNING



Nutrition n/a n/a

Mastitis (individual cases)

Mastitis (in the group) n/a n/a

Metabolic Disease n/a n/a

Lameness n/a n/a

Vaccination

Import/Export including applying knowledge of .import/export licensing procedures

Parasitic Disease Assessment & Control

Infectious Disease Assessment & Control

Biosecurity Within Units

Biosecurity Between Units

Zoonoses/Public Health

Notifiable Diseases

Certification

Education DepartmentRoyal College of Veterinary SurgeonsBelgravia House62-64 Horseferry RoadLondonSW1P 2AF

T 020 7202 0778E [email protected] www.rcvs.org.uk/pdp

http://pdp.rcvs.org.uk

pdp employer's guidancetheir general performance, as well as keeping an action plan and diary...

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