New handbook aims to help improve clinical outcomes
The BSAVA has made a new anaesthesia resource available through its site, which provides guidance and cognitive aids to help improve safety during veterinary anaesthesia.
The BSAVA Cognitive Aids for Anaesthesia in Small Animal Practice is written by veterinary anaesthesia specialist Matt McMillan and can help improve performance for surgical teams.
Cognitive aids are visual prompts which are designed to be used while a task is being completed. They reduce reliance on memory by providing a solid foundation which ensures tasks are performed appropriately and communication is upheld.
Ian Self, principal clinical anaesthetist at the University of Cambridge Department for Veterinary Medicine said: “This handbook should be viewed as a ‘second pair of eyes’ throughout a procedure, especially if an anaesthetised patient deteriorates; consider it as having an experienced anaesthetist looking over your shoulder offering words of advice… I am very happy to endorse this exciting new BSAVA resource.”
The BSAVA Cognitive Aids for Anaesthesia in Small Animal Practice includes routine checklists that should be completed as part of any anaesthetic procedure, as well as crisis checklists for potential complications that may be encountered during surgery.
The new guide also includes downloadable forms, which can be used to ensure safety checks are completed thoroughly in practice. These forms can be downloaded through the BSAVA Library.
The BSAVA Cognitive Aids for Anaesthesia in Small Animal Practice is now available from the BSAVA website.
Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.
