Liverpool veterinary educators lend expertise to RCVS Knowledge veterinary medicine course

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Two of the University of Liverpool’s veterinary educators have contributed to a news online learning course from Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Knowledge.

RCVS is hosting an updated and expanded version of its highly regarded evidence-based veterinary medicine (EBVM) learning course to provide a free, practical grounding in applying EBVM, available on the charity’s new e-learning platform.

The new version of EBVM Learning is the product of an international collaboration with 18 leading veterinary educators and practitioners – including the University’s Professor Catherine McGowan and Dr Joanne Ireland. It offers veterinary surgeons, nurses, students and educators six hours of free CPD, which cover the five stages of EBVM and an overview of its evolution.

Users can progress through the six modules in order, to build a solid foundation in applying EBVM, or alternatively can access individual sections to deepen their knowledge in particular areas. Practical examples and quizzes are provided every step of the way, as well as the opportunity to download a certificate of completion.

The mobile-friendly course can also be used as a reference tool for specific aspects of EBVM, such as how to search the literature effectively, and there is an extensive thematic set of references for those who are keen to explore the subject further.

The updated EBVM Learning is housed on RCVS Knowledge Learn, the charity’s new elearning platform. RCVS Knowledge Learn provides enhanced accessibility amongst other benefits, and will become the charity’s hub for free training and resources to all veterinary practitioners and students.

Professor Catherine McGowan, Head of Veterinary Education (UG and PGT) said: “I am very pleased to have been part of both the first and second version of our EBVM learning open access course. This started with the first iteration in 2015 and we have already used it extensively in supporting our undergraduate student projects as well as PGT students across several modules at Liverpool. This new more user friendly version offers students an even better experience while supporting them in using evidence-based principles in their literature reviews, research projects and clinical practice.”

Chris Gush, Executive Director of RCVS Knowledge, said: “This fresh iteration of our EBVM Learning course is the culmination of a huge amount of committed work from an international network of leaders in EBVM, and we are proud to launch it on our new, accessible platform RCVS Knowledge Learn. The course constitutes an important way in which the charity supports all veterinary practitioners to advance the quality of care they provide through evidence-based veterinary medicine, regardless of their role, location or background.”

EBVM Learning can be accessed for free at: http://learn.rcvsknowledge.org/ebvm-learning