An Interprofessional Approach to Veterinary Nutrition

In veterinary practice, the interface between veterinarians, veterinary nurses or technicians, and paraprofessional team members is crucial. It influences patient care, incidence of medical errors, client satisfaction, success of the veterinary practice and revenue generation. Ensuring a coherent approach to the maintenance of animal health and wellbeing is of paramount importance, yet challenges such as interprofessional prejudice, misunderstanding of motivations, and a lack of recognition, respect, empowerment or trust, can prevent best practice. Nutrition is one of the most important considerations in the maintenance of health, and plays a critical role in disease management, patient recovery and hospital outcome; a reflection of its recognition as the fifth vital assessment. Owners are increasingly aware of the role of nutrition in optimising pet health, yet considerable misinformation can make this one of the most difficult aspects of pet ownership. Playing a central role as a source of expert information, veterinary healthcare teams must rise to the challenge of optimising pet nutrition. Effective interprofessional communication and collaboration is considered a key factor in the successful implementation of nutritional assessment, and a positive team environment founded on respect, trust and mutual support helps overcome challenges and provide the best outcome for both pets and their owners. This book provides evidence-based theory in an accessible and practical way to help veterinary healthcare teams implement interprofessional approaches to nutritional care and support.