Taking Part
We are looking to recruit individuals across the South-East of England who work within a corporate-owned veterinary practice and have an animal facing and/or handling role. We are looking for individuals who have roles such as, but not limited to, veterinary nurses, veterinary surgeons, and auxiliaries; including those who have multiple roles within the practice, for example a veterinary nurse who may cover reception throughout the day. If you work in multiple veterinary practices, we are asking you to not take part in this study, as this will affect the results of the study.
If you are not sure if you are eligible for the study, please contact the research team using the details on the 'Contact Us' page.
​
An additional note: some colourblind individuals may struggle to participate in this study as the visual simulation tool used in this study primarily uses red and green colours in the animation, which may not be suitable for colourblind individuals. This does not mean you cannot take part, and you do not need to disclose this information, however, we would like to make you aware that you potentially may not fully utilise the tool and receive the same benefits. We are aware of this limitation and intend to improve this in future development of the tool.
Below is a summary of the timeline of events and expected duration for taking part in this study:
Study Length: Approximately 8 months
Total time commitment for participant throughout study length: Approximately 1 hour (1hr 15 minutes if attending an interview)
Pre-intervention
Activity: Collecting environmental samples in veterinary practice using swabs on surfaces.
​
Duration: Three-month period – monthly visits, a day at a time and will not affect your working pattern.
Questionnaire 1
Activity: Completion of a questionnaire.
​
Duration: Ten minutes to complete the questionnaire, with a two-week period to return completed.
Intervention or Control
Activity: Use of the VIPVis tool (or not if in the control group).
​
Duration: Two weeks to use the tool, which will take approximately thirty minutes to navigate and complete.
Questionnaire 3
Activity: Completion of a questionnaire.
​
Duration: Ten minutes to complete the questionnaire, with a two-week period to return completed.
Post-intervention
Activity: Collecting environmental samples in veterinary practice using swabs on surfaces.
​
Duration: Three-month period – monthly visits, a day at a time and will not affect your working pattern.
Questionnaire 2 (& interview)
Activity: Completion of a questionnaire. Optional interview to run through questions about VIPVis, taking place in practice.
​
Duration: Ten minutes to complete the questionnaire, with a two-week period to return completed. Interview will be approximately fifteen minutes.
Can I withdraw at a later point?
Taking part in this study is optional and you do not have to take part if you do not wish. If you choose to participate, you can withdraw from the study at any time, without giving a reason. To withdraw from the study, please contact Becky Thomas using rt00542@surrey.ac.uk. You will need to provide your unique ID which you will have created upon completing the first questionnaire. This will trace your responses and ensure we can remove and delete your data. All personal data and responses will be deleted and removed from the study analysis. Please be aware that your last chance to withdraw your data from the study will be a month after completion of the third questionnaire. Similarly, if you select to participate in an interview, you will have a month following the interview to withdraw. Following this time, as the interview will be transcribed and fully anonymised, it will not be possible to remove the information you have provided.
Are there any benefits to taking part?
The information we get from this study will contribute to improving Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) attitude and appreciation in the veterinary working environment and help implement appropriate IPC measures to minimise pathogen transmission. With the results of this study, we aim to license the VIPVis tool for future use in veterinary settings as an educational training tool. There will be no compensation for taking part in this study, however, we hope that participants will find it an interesting and educational experience that will improve their knowledge on IPC and its impact in the veterinary setting.
What will happen to the results of this study?
We aim to publish the results from this research project in peer reviewed scientific journals and to present findings at conferences and other public engagement events. Any data presented and published will maintain your confidentiality and anonymity. You and your veterinary practice will not be identified in any reports or publications. Research findings will also be shared with the collaborative research partners of this project including; Zoetis, who have jointly funded this research, University of Plymouth, and the Glasgow School of Art.