4 Oct 2021
Almost half of respondents to a survey carried out by telemedicine firm VetCT said they were happy to physically attend live events again, despite some still holding back due to COVID concerns.
James Westgate
Job Title
A survey has shown a growing appetite among the veterinary profession for the return of “in-person” live events.
Conducted by telemedicine firm VetCT, the survey showed that almost half of the 310 respondents were now happy to physically attend live events. However, concerns about COVID-19 are still holding some back from face-to-face involvement.
Almost a quarter (24%) stated they were holding back from in person events until they felt a greater degree of safety with the COVID-19 pandemic.
A further 10% responded to say they were too busy to undertake CPD of any kind, highlighting the pressures many practices are facing due to issues around recruitment and retention, as well as increased demand for veterinary services.
Comments from the survey include those showing concern about practice members attending live events and becoming infected with COVID, and potential for transmission of the virus within the practice increasing staffing pressures.
Reassurances and clarity around COVID safety measures at events were reported to be important prior to considering attendance for some respondents.
BSAVA Congress 2021 was held as a totally online event while BEVA Congress featured an in-person event with an option for delegates to attend virtually, too. However, events in early 2022 were run as hybrid live and virtual offerings, including SPVS-VMG Congress and BSAVA Congress (24-26 March).
Liz Barton, head of communications at VetCT, said: “There is huge value in face-to-face interactions and networking, and we’ve certainly missed attending live events. However, alongside COVID, increasing concerns over the environmental impact and time and monetary costs of in-person events have been brought into focus.
“We need to explore more innovative ways of delivering CPD. Cross-industry learning providers are turning to more accessible and real-time teaching methods, including on-the-job learning, micro-learning and gamification of content.”
VetCT has produced a white paper on modern learning and how it may be applied to the veterinary profession. The full paper is downloadable.
Free webinars including short 12-minute take-homes and equine imaging sessions are accessible via the VetCT website.
* Article updated 24/8/2022
