RCVS Knowledge

Abstract: Objective: To compare accelerometer inter-device variability and to evaluate the effect of canine collar tightness on activity counts. Evidentiary value: This is a prospective study of six dogs wearing Actical accelerometers over 24 hours with variable placement to evaluate accelerometer inter-device variability and collar tightness. Methods: Six skeletally mature medium to large breed client-owned dogs were enrolled in the study. Twelve identical accelerometer devices were used, with the same two devices used for each dog. All accelerometers were placed on the ventral cervical region. A total of four placement patterns (P1: two accelerometers on the same collar; P2: two separate collars with same tightness with one accelerometer on each collar; P3 & P4: one collar loose/one collar tight and one accelerometer on each collar) were evaluated. Pearson’s correlation, paired t-tests, and percent of variation between total activity counts for each placement period were calculated. Results: For P1-P4, Pearson’s correlation was 0.92, 0.95, 0.93, and 0.86 (p<0.0001 for all comparisons). For P1-P4, t-ratio was -20.59 (p<0.0001), 9.78 (p<0.0001), -8.95 (p<0.0001), and -2.15 (p<0.0313), respectively. When evaluating inter-device variability, the percent differences between total activity counts of device pairs ranged from 2.5 to 56.8%. Conclusion: While the correlations between devices for all placements were high, the high inter-device variability shows that further investigation is necessary. From this study, the results suggest that changing devices throughout a study should be avoided. We recommend that attachment of the accelerometers to the collar, including collar tightness, should be kept consistent until further studies are available. Application: When accelerometer data are used for objective outcomes, accelerometer inter-device variability and collar tightness should be taken into account.

Abstract: The academic world has long endeavoured to make a meaningful contribution to the challenge of measuring the economic impacts of meetings. Existing reviews of the business tourism literature demonstrate that the economic impact of events and meetings is among the crucial themes that have emerged as key research topics in academia. The main aim of the research was an assessment of the impact of the meetings industry on the economy of Krakow. The results are expressed as overall values – comprising direct, indirect and induced effects. The study has used a thorough literature review to identify the best methodology for calculating the impact on the city level. The project consisted in the pilot study and afterwards the main survey method (five different questionnaires were used) which enabled the gathering of the empirical data necessary for the analysis of the economic impact of Krakow’s meetings industry. The calculated input of the meetings industry to the city’s economy is significant, considering how complex Krakow’s economy is. This was the first assessment of the significance of the meetings industry for a city in Central Europe.

Abstract: Medication errors are common in veterinary practice. While many of these do not result in harm to a patient, those that do can have serious consequences for the patient and also affect the people i...

Abstract: ‘EBVM Learning’ is a freely available resource created in 2015 by an international team with the support of RCVS Knowledge The resource comprises a series of online modules teaching the fundamental concepts of evidence-based veterinary medicine (EBVM) (Ask, Acquire, Appraise, Apply & Assess) supported by case studies, exercises, worked examples and quizzes The aim of the current study (undertaken in 2019) was to review ‘EBVM Learning’ to ensure its ongoing relevance and usefulness to the range of learners engaged in EBVM Feedback was gathered from stakeholder groups using website statistics and feedback forms, a survey and semi-structured interviews to provide a combination of quantitative and qualitative data Website statistics revealed an international audience and a steady increase in visitors exceeding 1,000 per month in August 2020 Feedback via the online form (n=35) and survey (n=71) indicated that the resource was well structured, with an appropriate level and amount of content, useful examples and quizzes and the majority of respondents would use it again Semi-structured interviews of educators (n=5) and veterinarians (n=8) identified three themes: features of the ‘EBVM Learning’ resource (strengths, suggestions for improvement), embedding the resource in education (undergraduate, postgraduate) and promoting EBVM (challenges, motivation for engagement) At a project team workshop the results were used to plan updates to the existing content and to identify new ways to promote learning and engagement An updated version of ‘EBVM Learning’ was developed ‘EBVM Learning’ is helping to produce the next generation of evidence-based practitioners and enabling to engage in the concepts of EBVM as part of their clinical practice