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Robinson, N.J., Dean, Rachel S., Cobb, M. and Brennan, Marnie L. (2014) Diagnostic testing in first opinion small animal consultations. Veterinary Record, 176 (7). p. 174. ISSN 2042-7670

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Abstract

DIAGNOSTIC testing is a vital part of the decision-making process, which aims to increase diagnostic certainty, assist management and treatment decisions and provide a prognosis (Radostits and others 2000). A wide range of tests are available, with variable accuracy, expense and risk to the patient, but it is currently unclear how veterinary surgeons are making decisions about which tests to carry out. Understanding the decision-making process is vital in order to ensure that the decisions made during the consultation are based on the best relevant evidence. However, before decision-making around diagnostic testing can be understood, it is neccessary to know which tests are performed most frequently. This may be useful for veterinary practices, for example, when making business decisions surrounding diagnostic equipment and in-house training, and could also help direct veterinary curricula and research.

The aim of this study was to describe the diagnostic tests commonly performed in a convenience sample of first opinion small animal consultations.

Data collection took place over 16 weeks (two weeks each in eight different practices) as part of data gathered for a larger project (Robinson and others 2014a). A previously developed data collection tool (Robinson and others 2014a) was used to record consultation data by direct observation. Data were recorded on all health problems discussed, including the reason for presentation (the presenting problem) and all additional problems discussed (non-presenting problems). For each health problem discussed, the type of diagnostic test(s) was recorded by selecting one option from: None; In-consultation; Post-consultation; Both. Clinical examination, as defined by Robinson and others (2014b), was not considered to be a diagnostic.

Item Type:	Article
RIS ID:	https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/739235
Schools/Departments:	University of Nottingham, UK > Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > School of Veterinary Medicine and Science
Identification Number:	10.1136/vr.102786
Depositing User:	Eprints, Support
Date Deposited:	12 Dec 2016 14:17
Last Modified:	04 May 2020 16:57
URI:	https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/39331

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