EPA 5: Using evidence and research in practice
Learn to ask the right clinical questions, find reliable evidence, and apply it confidently in practise. Strengthen your critical thinking and build the lifelong learning skills essential for every vet.
EPA 6: Performing surgical procedures and perioperative care
Perform surgical procedures with confidence, from pre-operative preparation to surgical techniques and post-operative care.
Description
You'll perform surgical procedures across different animal species and clinical situations, from routine to complex, acute to chronic cases. This involves managing every stage of care, from initial preparation and contamination control through to post-operative care protocols.
The assessment evaluates your technical proficiency alongside professional skills, including effective communication with clients and colleagues, and adapting to changing patient conditions. You must demonstrate self-awareness of your abilities and limitations while maintaining professional standards.
Success criteria
To demonstrate expertise and proficiency in performing a range of surgical procedures across a range of different:
- Animal species
- Clinical presentations
- Acute/chronic conditions
- Case complexities relevant to your role (this includes pre- and post-operative care while communicating effectively with colleagues and instructing others)
It is essential to be able to react professionally to patient changes and demonstrate an understanding of your own abilities.
Required competencies
This EPA aligns with the following RCVS Day One Competences:
Veterinary capability
Key capability areas include:
- Clinical reasoning skills
- Individual animal care expertise
Reflective relationships
- Communication with clients, colleagues and team members
- Collaboration within veterinary teams