Table 2 . Common themes in the qualitative free-text questions from 284 RVNs practising in the UK in 2019 .
Question : Are there any other reasons you can think of that have impacted your confidence at rabbit anaesthesia ?
Responses
Respondents ( n )
Respondents (%)
A lack of experience in practice reduced confidence , or more experience increased confidence
Negative opinions and stigma about rabbits from other staff when training reduced confidence
63 32.1
42 21.4
Previous deaths or complications reduced confidence 39 19.9
A lack of education when training reduced confidence , or further education and qualifications increased confidence
26 13.3
A lack of confidence in airway management reduced overall confidence 16 8.2
A lack of equipment or set protocols in practice reduced confidence , or good equipment and standard protocols increased confidence
12 6.1
Inability to get intravenous access reduced confidence 1 0.5 TOTAL RESPONDENTS 196 100
Question : What changes do you think will be beneficial to increase veterinary nurses ' confidence when undertaking rabbit anaesthesia ?
Responses
More education about rabbits and their anaesthesia during initial training
Respondents ( n )
144 63.2
More continuing professional development on the subject 55 24.3 More exposure to rabbits in practice to gain confidence 27 11.9
Equipment provided in practice ( including V-gels , small circuits , warming devices , small-gauge intravenous catheters )
20 8.9
Training about airway management – intubation , V-gels and masks 18 8.0 Reduced stigma around rabbits being difficult to anaesthetise 15 6.6 Have protocols in place for rabbit anaesthesia 12 5.3
Visit other practices when training to have hands-on experience with rabbits
8 3.5
Training about emergency situations 7 3.1
Training about monitoring rabbits under anaesthesia – e . g . depth , temperature and other vitals
5 2.2
Training about intravenous catheter placement 3 1.3 More research conducted into rabbit anaesthesia 3 1.3 Promotion of rabbit anaesthesia by BVNA and RWAF 2 0.9 Better preoperative assessment of rabbits 2 0.9 TOTAL RESPONDENTS 226 100 BVNA , British Veterinary Nursing Association ; RWAF , Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund .
Respondents (%)
40 Veterinary Nursing Journal