ScienceHealth & FitnessMedicine

Veterinary Nurses Investigate

Sarah Batt-Williams & Lyndsay Wade

Welcome to the RVC Veterinary Nurses Investigate podcast hosted by Sarah Batt-Williams & Lyndsay Wade. We will explore the evidence behind the nursing practices that we use every day. We will be discussing how you might go about asking clinical questions and answering them, interviewing vets and nurses who know how and providing a platform to share the results of clinical audits, as well as encouraging you to get involved in clinical research in your practice.

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16 episodes
Avg 56 min
English

Episodes 16

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S2 · E8
June 18 · 56 min
Human Factors with Helen Silver-MacMahon
We close this series with Helen Silver-MacMahon, a veterinary nurse whose work spans far beyond the clinic floor. This conversation takes a thoughtful and sometimes challenging turn as we explore the role of human factors in veterinary practice and how evidence-based medicine doesn’t exist in a vacuum, but within real people, real teams, and real-world pressures. Helen brings clarity, humility, and depth to the discussion, unpacking how decision-making, culture, and systems influence outcomes just as much as clinical knowledge does. It’s an episode that invites us to look beyond protocols and ask better questions about how we work, why we work the way we do, and what truly supports safe, effective practice. Links:https://www.rcvsknowledge.org/resource/quality-improvement-ebvm-and-contextualised-care/ https://www.rcvsknowledge.org/resource/veterinary-early-warning-score-templates/ https://www.vetled.co.uk/resources/why-do-i-need-human-factors To cite this podcast as: Sarah Batt-Williams and Lyndsay Wade RVC Veterinary Nurses Investigates 2:8 Human Factors with Helen Silver-MacMahon Jun 19 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 · E7
June 11 · 57 min
Handover efficacy with Krishna Mistry
This week, we’re joined by Krishna Mistry for a conversation that takes a different turn—placing communication at the centre of quality improvement. Krishna talks us through her audit on patient handovers, exploring the journey from initial questions to meaningful insights. Together, we unpack the communication skills involved, dig into what really constitutes a “good” handover and explore how checklists and protocols can support us. This episode highlights how small changes in how we communicate can have a powerful impact on continuity of care, team confidence, and patient safety. https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/integrated-health-services-(ihs)/csy/bec-slides/bec/sbar.pdf?sfvrsn=a91f5c16_1 To cite this podcast as: Sarah Batt-Williams and Lyndsay Wade RVC Veterinary Nurses Investigates 2:7 Handover efficacy with Krishna Mistry Jun 12 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 · E6
June 4 · 1 hr 8 min
Sustainable Anaesthesia with Ana Costa
In this episode, we speak with Ana Costa about her drive to reduce carbon footprints in practice through the use of low-flow anaesthesia. The conversation explores a tangible, achievable way veterinary teams can lessen their environmental impact, without losing sight of patient safety or clinical standards. Alongside this, Ana reflects on the experience of studying and working in another country, using a niche area of interest to shape career progression, and the wide range of opportunities that audits can open up. We also talk honestly about knowing when to narrow down our options, maintaining balance, and keeping projects sustainable. A thoughtful and practical episode for anyone interested in sustainability, career development, and making meaningful change within everyday practice. Links: https://articles.burtonsveterinary.com/articles/how-to-safely-reduce-volatile-agent-oxygen-usage https://www.vetspecialists.co.uk/oxygen-conservation/ https://ava.eu.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/We_Go_for_Lower_Flow_Infographic.pdf To cite this podcast as: Sarah Batt-Williams and Lyndsay Wade RVC Veterinary Nurses Investigates 2:6 Sustainable Anaesthesia with Ana Costa Jun 5 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 · E5
May 28 · 1 hr 17 min
Research reflection with Michelle Farrow
Today, we’re joined by Michelle Farrow for a reflective conversation that bridges research and real-world practice. Michelle shares her experience of completing a Master of Research, walking us through the project that explored how pet owners use the internet before bringing their animals into practice. Together, we unpack what she discovered, why it matters for veterinary teams, and how online information shapes expectations and decision-making. Alongside the findings, Michelle reflects honestly on the challenges of the research process, the lessons learned, and the insights she’ll carry forward—making this a valuable listen for anyone curious about research, higher education, or the evolving relationship between clients and evidence. Links: https://www.vetcompass.org/ To cite this podcast as: Sarah Batt-Williams and Lyndsay Wade RVC Veterinary Nurses Investigates 2:5 Research reflection withMichelle Farrow May 29 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 · E4
May 21 · 1 hr 8 min
Evidence Progression with Susan Holt
Today, we shift the focus slightly as we’re joined by Susan Holt to explore research and how it can naturally build on audit experience. Drawing on the themes covered so far in the series, Susan helps bridge the gap between audit and research, offering real-world advice on how to take those next steps with confidence. She shares practical skills, honest insights, and thoughtful guidance for anyone curious about expanding their quality improvement work into formal research. A grounding and encouraging episode for listeners interested in undertaking a research project Links: https://rcvsknowledge.podbean.com/e/dan-oneill-effective-dissemination-building-an-evidence-to-impa… To cite this podcast as: Sarah Batt-Williams and Lyndsay Wade RVC Veterinary Nurses Investigates 2:4 Evidence Progression withSusan Holt May 22 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 · E3
May 14 · 1 hr 17 min
Audit Confidence with Alice Bell and Abi Redfearn
This episode is double the fun as we welcome Alice Bell and Abi Redfearn from Rosemullion Veterinary Hospital to explore the audit process. They share their individual auditing journeys, talking through the wide range of audits they’ve taken on and how each experience shaped their confidence and approach to quality improvement. With plenty of real-world insight (and reassurance), Alice and Abi show that audits don’t have to be intimidating—or boring. Perfect listening for anyone who’s been audit-curious, audit-cautious, or firmly in the “do I really have to?” camp. To cite this podcast as: Sarah Batt-Williams and Lyndsay Wade RVC Veterinary Nurses Investigates 2:3 Audit Confidence with Alice Bell and Abi Redfearn May 15 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 · E2
May 7 · 1 hr 1 min
ECC Nutrition with Sam McGaw
In this episode, we’re joined by Sam McGaw, an ECC nurse and educator, for a grounded and practical conversation rooted in real clinical experience. Sam walks us through her nutrition audit, sharing what worked, what surprised her, and the lessons learned along the way. With honesty and clarity, she breaks down the audit process into something approachable and achievable, offering practical tips to support anyone considering starting their own. Whether you’re new to audits or looking to build confidence in quality improvement work, this episode offers reassurance, insight, and plenty of take-home ideas Links: https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines/ https://www.aaha.org/resources/2021-aaha-nutrition-and-weight-management-guidelines/ https://veterinaryevidence.org/index.php/ve https://veterinaryevidence.org/index.php/ve/author-hub To cite this podcast as: Sarah Batt-Williams and Lyndsay Wade RVC Veterinary Nurses Investigates 2:2 ECC Nutrition with Sam McGaw May 8 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 · E1
April 30 · 49 min
Quality Improvement with Lou Northway
We’re kicking off Season 2 with the one and only Lou Northway, opening the door to a conversation that sets the tone for everything that follows. Together, we explore Quality Improvement and Evidence-Based Veterinary Nursing (EBVN), unpacking what these concepts really look like in practice—not just in theory. Lou shares honest insights from her own career journey, including the lessons learned, challenges faced, and moments that shaped her path. This episode is both a practical introduction to EBVN and an encouraging invitation for anyone curious about where evidence, reflection, and improvement can take their career. Links for further information: https://www.rcvsknowledge.org/approach/quality-improvement/ https://www.veterinarywoman.co.uk/2022/05/safe-to-speak-up-an-interview-with-helen-silver-macmahon/ To cite this podcast as: Sarah Batt-Williams and Lyndsay Wade RVC Veterinary Nurses Investigates 2:1 Quality Improvement with Lou Northway May 1 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E7
March 27 · 1 hr 5 min
Writing up and publishing with Jennifer Hamlin
Are you as frustrated at the lack of evidence as we are? Veterinary nurses are in a prime position to fill this gap and therefore we need to publish! In the final episode of series one, we speak to the incredibly inspirational Jennifer Hamilin, educator, learner (studying for a PhD), RVN, technician and editor extraordinaire. We discuss how to submit articles, the editorial process, and peer reviewing. True to form, we also divert off into the world of professional identity, scope of practice and education. Tune in to hear Sarah get very excited about all the things Jennifer has to say! [First published on RVC website 16 August 2023] To cite this podcast as: Sarah Batt-Williams and Lyndsay Wade RVC Veterinary Nurses Investigates 7 Writing up and publishing with Jennifer Hamlin Aug 16 2023 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E6
March 20 · 54 min
Making a change in practice with Alison Young
Your audit is complete, you know that your results should be used to inform practice, but how do you encourage others engage with your research outcomes? Alison Young, Clinical Operations Manager at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals recounts her experiences of creating change in practice, focussing on the transition to alcohol-based hand preparations. [First published on RVC website 25 July 2023] To cite this podcast as: Sarah Batt-Williams and Lyndsay Wade RVC Veterinary Nurses Investigates 6 Making a change in practice with Alison Young Mar 20 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E5
March 13 · 52 min
Professional identity with Rachel Davies
How do you feel admitting to someone that you are a novice? How will you describe yourself if you can't or don’t want to practice anymore if that’s what you have done for most of your life? What are your personal values? [First published on RVC website 15 June 2023] To cite this podcast as: Sarah Batt-Williams and Lyndsay Wade RVC Veterinary Nurses Investigates 5 Professional identity with Rachel Davies Mar 13 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E4
March 6 · 43 min
Auditing in practice with Megan Conroy
"It's about empowering all team members, getting them to work together. I have always wanted to make a difference and I am really proud of my audit". [First published on RVC website 9 May 2023] To cite this podcast as: Sarah Batt-Williams and Lyndsay Wade RVC Veterinary Nurses Investigates 4 Auditing in practice with Megan Conroy Mar 6 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E3
February 27 · 46 min
Critiquing literature with Perdi Welsh & Hilary Orpet
"Ask yourself a question... How can we do this better? You can always enthuse others about your ideas". [First published on the RVC website Dec 12 2022.] To cite this podcast as: Sarah Batt-Williams and Lyndsay Wade RVC Veterinary Nurses Investigates 3 Critiquing literature with Perdi Welsh & Hilary Orpet Feb 27 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E2
February 20 · 56 min
Literature Searching with Amanda Rosier
Amanda worked in the Equine industry for more than 20 years breaking and training horses and teaching riders but realised that the body was weaker than the spirit, and chose to take the teaching into the classroom - as a secondary science teacher. This led to teaching equine students at Writtle college and managing the FE Equine department there. At this time, through distance learning, she achieved her Masters in Education and hopes to complete an Education Doctorate in the future. [First published on RVC website Nov 11 2022] To cite this podcast as: Sarah Batt-Williams and Lyndsay Wade RVC Veterinary Nurses Investigates 2 Literature Searching with Amanda Rosier Feb 20 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E1
February 13 · 1 hr 7 min
Evidence Based Veterinary Medicine with Dan O'Neill
In episode one of the first series of VN’s investigate we discuss all things Evidence Base with the truly inspirational Dr Dan O’Neill. What is the role of the veterinary nurse in research? What are the questions that we should be asking? How can we optimise the care we provide for our patients and their family members? And what do we say that is music to Dan’s soul?! All this and so much more in our first podcast on Evidence Based Veterinary Nursing! [This was first published on the RVC website on 14 Oct 2022] To cite this podcast as: Sarah Batt-Williams and Lyndsay Wade Veterinary Nurses Investigate 1 Evidence Based Veterinary Medicine with Dan O'Neill Feb 13 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
February 13 · 1 min
Introducing VNs Investigate
An idea created pre pandemic, completed in lockdown and edited during the maternity leave of both Sarah and Lyndsay! In series one, we will be exploring evidence based veterinary nursing, following the structure in which you would complete a research or audit project. We will be following this with future series with examples of research and audits from the veterinary nursing community, championing our VN diamonds. [first published on RVC website Sept 30 2022] To cite this podcast as: Sarah Batt-Williams and Lyndsay Wade RVC Vet Nurses Investigate Introduction Feb 13 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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