Reflecting on our Internal Placement Day

Leading up to my internal placement day I was looking forward to gaining insight into the daily routines of NAVP approved professionals. Although I felt I had some knowledge, I was eager to find out what the role really does involve.

NAVP states that Veterinary Physiotherapy works under Veterinarian approval to offer a patientcentred functional assessment. The goal is to diminish pain, enhance movement, and re-establish regular muscle control and function (NAVP, 2016). Prior to this I did not realise I would require a veterinarian’s permission forgoing all treatments (RCVS, 2016). On reflection, I understand the significance as it will allow me to work safely and operate within a support network ensuring sound clinical reasoning (McGowan, 2016). NAVP’s Chair, Halina Tombs, talked through the attributes needed to meet the NAVP’s expectations and become fully competent. I can now see that having a plan in place will greatly benefit my progression, prompting me to adhere to my professional development plan (Bowers, 2001).

Focussing on assessment and management of patients’ functioning is also essential, however, Halina stressed the significance of equally understanding the specific pathoanatomical diagnoses the Veterinarian provides (McGowan et al., 2007). Asking ‘how and ‘why’ with every case, alongside knowledge of the veterinarian’s diagnosis, will lead me to a deeper understanding of the abnormalities underlying my patients’ pain and movement disorders (McGowan et al., 2007). Furthermore, working on volunteer placement’s will allow me the chance to practice my approach.

In my nursing career, it was imperative that I worked within a recognised scope of practice (NMBI, 2016). Attending the internal placement day made me realise that I do have valuable skills. To build on these skills and apply them to this career will require a considerable amount of research and continued professional development. Akin to this healthcare system, the day reminded me of the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork (Atwal & Caldwell, 2006). I feel that I have good teamwork ability which I can further improve on through group work and communication.

Moreover, I felt that student-centred instruction proved to be a valuable mode of learning as my peers and I influenced the content and learning pace of the day. I actively constructed meaning, linking the foundation knowledge I had with the new information gained. Client education plays a huge role in being a physiotherapist. Researching these various teaching methods and employing similarly effective approaches may better educate my future client’s, increasing their motivation to learn and give them a deeper understanding of the subject, as it did me (Michael, 2006).

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Reference List

Atwal, A. and Caldwell, K., 2006. Nurses’ perceptions of multidisciplinary team work in acute healthcare. International journal of nursing practice, 12(6), pp.359-365.

Bowers, P., 2001. Professional development: Planning and design. NSTA Press.

McGowan, C., 2016. Animal physiotherapy: assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of animals. John Wiley & Sons.

McGowan, C.M., Stubbs, N.C. and Jull, G.A., 2007. Equine physiotherapy: a comparative view of the science underlying the profession. Equine veterinary journal, 39(1), pp.90-94.

Michael, J., 2006. Where's the evidence that active learning works?. Advances in physiology education, 30(4), pp.159-167.

Navp.co.uk, (2016). National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists. [online] Available at: http://www.navp.co.uk/ [Accessed 07 Nov. 2016].

Nmbi.ie, (2016). Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland. [online] Available at: http://www.nmbi.ie/Standards-Guidance/Scope-of-Practice.aspx [Accessed 14 Nov. 2016].

Rcvs.org.uk, (2016). Treatment of Animals by Unqualified Persons. [online] Available at: http://www.rcvs.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/code-of-professional-conduct-for-veterinarysurgeons/supporting-guidance/treatment-of-animals-by-unqualified-persons/ [Accessed 15 Nov. 2016]