What's the best way to get client consent for student involvement?

RE: What's the best way to get client consent for student involvement?

stacey bullock — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 20:21:06 GMT

You may have already got this sussed but the new RCVS Framework offers sound guidance VN Standards Framework for Veterinary Nurse Education and Training - Professionals:

See 1.4 ensure clients understand the remit of the student veterinary nurse’s involvement in the care of their animals and have the opportunity to withdraw consent.

This may be evidenced through: a. b. c. d. e. f.

Standard operating procedures

Poster regarding consent

Consent guidance within pre-operative paperwork

Website content

Consent forms

Guidance: Similarly to human healthcare, it is important that clients know and understand who is responsible for, and involved with, the care of their animals. It is, therefore, their prerogative to withdraw consent for those in training to be involved in the care of their animal, as is the case in human healthcare. Nonetheless, promoting the importance and value provided by TPs remains an important part of assuring clients that student veterinary nurses are working under constant, direct supervision, as dictated by Schedule 3 of the Veterinary Surgeons Act, and thus are supported by regulated professionals. This requirement is not encouraging AEIs, delivery sites or TPs to indicate that student veterinary nurses provide a lower level of care, but rather to encourage clients to engage with the training process and be assured that their animal will receive the excellent standard of care that should be expected.

RE: Client Consent for Student Involvement?

Carolyn Edwards — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 16:47:43 GMT

I hope the assessment goes well. I've always found the assessors to be very helpful, and they can usually suggest what you should do if something isn't quite right. They want you to succeed as a training practice.

RE: Client Consent for Student Involvement?

Robyn — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 13:44:54 GMT

The case logs are definitely looking a lot more intimidating than they were for me nearly 10 years ago! Thank you for this - it seems like they're the most sensible options, but you never can be sure with course providers!

RE: Client Consent for Student Involvement?

Carolyn Edwards — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 11:40:42 GMT

We added something to our consent form that mentioned student nurses, it was included in the part that explained that RVNs may perform tasks, such as injecting their pet, under the direction and supervision of the veterinary surgeon. I can't remember the exact wording, sorry.

We also put something in about taking photographs or video to support the student's case logs, making it clear that the client would not be identifiable.

We introduce our student nurses if they are in consults with us or the vet, asking if the client is happy for them to be there. I've never had anyone object, but I've been asked if I'm happy for students to be involved in my own medical care so it seems appropriate to ask.

I haven't been directly involved in nurse training for a while either. From what I've seen they've made the case logging requirements more stringent, but also improved the method of capturing the information. Good luck to you and your student. It's such a lovely feeling when they do well.