Plus-Hex CLINICAL
The RECOVER [ 19 ] guidelines emphasise the importance of regular CPR training, recommending refresher training every 3 – 6 months to maintain knowledge and psychomotor skills. Furthermore, a RECOVER CPR registry report identified that 83 % of veterinary hospitals implementing CPR training strategies incorporated simulation-based training, demonstrating the value of practical preparation in improving team confidence and emergency readiness [ 20 ].
This learning and subsequent improvement in team performance can be facilitated through a structured approach to analysing and reviewing events, identifying ways the team could work together more effectively in future emergencies. Using a structured approach will ensure all aspects are covered, recorded and documented for reference, while providing an opportunity for open discussion. It allows each team member to reflect on their actions, communication and decision-making during the event, promoting learning and improvements in future clinical performance [ 10 ].
Using a structured approach has proven successful in focusing on topics such as pre-alert / handover, delegation, airway, circulation, communication and documentation to help contribute to a positive outcome [ 15 ]. This approach allows the team to identify things that need improvement, for example, access to equipment, existing training procedures and hospital protocols, and staff education to improve skills such as teamwork.
The cultivation and promotion of leadership competencies through CPD, collaborative training initiatives and the establishment of a psychologically safe workplace environment can significantly reduce negative emotions within veterinary teams. In turn, this contributes to enhanced patient safety outcomes. Although historically underused, debriefing holds immense potential for fostering improved team collaboration and positively influencing future patient care outcomes [ 7 ].
Conclusions
Psychological safety is a fundamental component of effective veterinary practice, particularly following high-pressure events such as CPR. Creating an environment in which every team member feels able to speak openly, ask questions, report errors and reflect without fear of blame promotes learning, resilience and continuous improvement.
When combined with regular emergency preparedness, simulation training and structured debriefing, psychological safety strengthens communication, teamwork and clinical decision-making while supporting staff wellbeing. Importantly, these approaches benefit not only the individuals involved but also the patients in their care.
Teams that communicate openly, learn from clinical events and continually refine their practice are better equipped to deliver safe, effective and compassionate veterinary care.
Although embedding these practices requires commitment from the whole practice team, they require little financial investment and have the potential to create lasting improvements in patient safety, staff confidence and workplace culture.
Assessment of learning
1. How often do the RECOVER guidelines suggest refresher training for CPR should be taken?
a) Every 1 – 2 months b) Every 3 – 6 months c) Every 2 – 4 months d) Every 2 years
2. What percentage improvement can debriefing make to performance outcomes compared with no briefing?
a) 10 – 15 % b) 20 – 25 % c) 50 % d) 80 %
3. According to Montag et al. [ 17 ], what percentage of veterinary support staff felt safe reporting errors only sometimes, rarely or never?
a) 10 % b) 31 % c) 55 % d) 72 %
4. In the study of Gilmartin et al. [ 15 ], 90 % of people found debriefing contributed to improved mental wellbeing. True or false?
a) True b) False
1. b) Every 3 – 6 months 2. b) 20 – 25 % 3. b) 31 % 4. a) True
Answers
Volume 41( 5) • October 2026
27