Development of a shared decision-making model for euthanasia decisions in the horse

The School of Veterinary Medicine and Science (SVMS) undertakes research on many key aspects of companion animals and livestock health and production. Research at the School is integrated into the University structure with established world class research in biomedical sciences within the other University Schools.
This studentship is funded by The Horse Trust, The Horse Trust has been providing respite and retirement for working and serving horses and ponies for 127 years, as well as taking in emergency welfare cases. The Horse Trust has been funding equine veterinary scientific research since 1965, with the aim to positively impact the lives of the widest possible number of horses.

Owners must make very difficult decisions when the time has to come for their horse to be euthanised. Many decisions are not clear-cut, and delayed euthanasia is a major welfare concern. Shared decision-making is used in human medicine, helping patient and health care professionals to reach an informed decision together. This three-year project will develop a model for shared euthanasia decision-making in the horse. It will review models currently used in human medicine and identify which of these are suitable in the veterinary sector. The study will work with veterinary practices and horse owners using Damschroeder’s Consolidated Framework of Implementation to develop a final model for euthanasia decision-making. The methodology used will include focus groups, surveys and interviews. The project will be based at the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Sutton Bonington, with co-supervision from the School of Health Sciences. The researcher will be required to travel to collaborating veterinary practices/ teams.

Applicants should have either:
• a veterinary degree
or
• a minimum of a 2.1 undergraduate degree
or
• a 2.2 degree and a Master’s degree in Animal Science, Equine Science or similar
The ideal candidate will have some experience of working in the veterinary sector or equine establishments, have experience of end of life decisions in horses, and experience of qualitative research.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to the principal supervisor: [Email Address Removed]

Candidates should apply online http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/how-to-apply/apply-online.aspx and include a CV. When completing the online application form, please select the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, then PhD Veterinary Medicine and Science (36m) and, once submitted, send your application ID number to [Email Address Removed].
Any queries regarding the application process should be addressed to the Continuing Education Team, (email: [Email Address Removed]).

Interview Date:
Early August 2020

Start Date:
1st October 2020 or as soon as possible thereafter

Closing date:
Recruitment will be closed when suitable candidates have been identified. Early application is strongly encouraged.