EPA 2: Diagnostic planning and test interpretation
Build strong diagnostic skills by developing differential diagnoses, planning investigations, and interpreting results across diverse species and clinical contexts.
EPA 3: Treatment planning and managing difficult decisions
This EPA covers how to create and implement care plans, manage treatment decisions, and approach complex situations with professionalism and compassion.
Description
You'll design and deliver treatment plans using your working diagnosis and client considerations. These plans must account for medical, ethical, legal and economic factors, as well as knowledge of the strengths and limitations of the client, veterinarian, team and facilities.
Your plans will encompass the full spectrum of veterinary interventions – from medical management, surgery, preventative measures and therapeutic interventions. You'll need to make responsible decisions about the use of veterinary medicine and coordinate effectively with your team.
Treatment is an iterative process – you'll implement, monitor the response, and adapt your approach as needed. This applies whether you're treating individual animals or managing larger populations.
Critical to this EPA is recognising when euthanasia is the most appropriate option. You'll assess the extent of disease or injury, evaluate available treatments, consider prognosis and quality of life, and weigh factors like the patient's age, overall health, and the owner's wishes and circumstances.
Success criteria
You'll successfully meet this competency when you can:
- Develop and implement appropriate management and treatment plans across diverse scenarios, including different species, clinical conditions, case complexities, social and economic factors, and population sizes
- Adapt plans based on patient response and in response to the owners wishes
- Make difficult decisions with compassion, including having discussions about euthanasia that prioritise relieving suffering while showing empathy for everyone involved
Required competencies
This EPA aligns with the following RCVS Day One Competences:
- Veterinary capability: Clinical examination, diagnosis, treatment planning, surgery, medicine use, and collaborative teamwork.
- Reflective relationships: Effective client education and communication throughout the treatment process.
- Professional commitment: Maintaining ethical standards and regulatory compliance in all treatment decisions.
- Professional leadership: Taking responsibility for treatment outcomes and guiding decision-making processes.
Your Adviser will assess your ability to integrate these competencies while making sure your patients have the most appropriate outcomes.