To Err Is Human - Unpacking Human Factors in Veterinary Care

"Around 75- 80% of adverse outcomes in aviation are due to human factors - not due to a lack of skill or knowledge, but due to problems with communication, leadership, or decision making. This figure seems to be the same in veterinary medicine." Dan Tipney, a former flying instructor, speaks to Danny Chambers as we unravel the benefits of integrating checklists and fostering a just culture within veterinary practices to improve patient safety and improve mental health of the veterinary team. It's very rare that a lack of clinical knowledge or technical skill leads to complications or deaths of animals in a veterinary practice. Dan and Danny explore real-world scenarios, such as the case of a dog being discharged from surgery without antibiotics because of the a change in a team member on that particular day, and how these situations can be avoided. Dan Tipney is one of the team at VetLed, who believe passionately that a Human Factors approach is a significant part of a long-term and sustainable solution to the challenges that the veterinary profession faces today. More podcasts at www.vetvoices.co.uk/podcasts