RCVS discontinues EMS National Booking Database
While students supported the software, most schools lacked the technology to keep up.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is to discontinue its RCVS Extra-Mural Studies (EMS) National Booking Database.
The decision was made by RCVS’ Education Committee on 25 November, after it found the majority of veterinary schools were unable to commit to the project at this time.
Development of the EMS database began in 2022, and was built based on consultation with veterinary students, EMS placement providers and veterinary schools. It was launched to placement providers in 2024 and shared with students in March this year.
RCVS says that, during its consultations, graduates had suggested EMS placements were valuable to their undergraduate studies, however access had been difficult.
The database aimed to streamline the EMS placement booking process for providers and support veterinary schools with implementing EMS. Students are also given comprehensive information to find placements suited to learning needs and personal circumstances.
Initial feedback from both providers and students was positive. RCVS reports hundreds of providers joining the system and appreciating the centralised system, while students praised its ease of use and range of features.
However, RCVS said it was unable to get the required commitment from veterinary schools.
Although a few veterinary schools had managed to fulfil their commitment to the project, the majority of schools were unable to take part in the project at the time. This was due to a range of IT and legal complexities.
RCVS is to provide support to the veterinary schools which are signed up, until the retirement of the software in February 2026.
Tim Hutchinson, vice-chair of the Education Committee, said: “This decision has not been taken lightly, as the Education Committee recognised both the substantial work from EMS providers in creating and maintaining their placement profiles, and the support shown from students using the database.
“RCVS staff and stakeholders have put a tremendous amount of effort into getting this system off the ground, however it could only have worked with all parties continuing to engage and, despite best efforts, this unfortunately has proved not to be.
“On behalf of the Education Committee, I would like to thank those stakeholders who signed up to the database for their engagement, and I share their frustration that this project did not succeed.”
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