Ethics teaching in European veterinary schools: a qualitative case study

TLDR

Veterinary ethics is recognised as a relevant topic in the undergraduate veterinary curriculum, yet there is no widely agreed view on suitable contents and limited information on teaching approaches adopted by veterinary schools. This study examines the diversity of veterinary ethics teaching topics across three European veterinary schools and proposes a conceptual model comprising four overarching concepts—animal welfare science, laws/regulations, professionalism, and theories/concepts—to guide future curriculum development and ethical deliberation in practice. Using a case study approach, the authors analysed syllabi contents and conducted interviews with educators from the 2010‑2011 curricular year. The results reveal that veterinary ethics curricula are multidimensional, integrating a broad range of scientific, regulatory, professional, and philosophical subjects, some of which are not explicitly listed in course descriptors.

Abstract

Veterinary ethics is recognised as a relevant topic in the undergraduate veterinary curriculum. However, there appears to be no widely agreed view on which contents are best suited for veterinary ethics teaching and there is limited information on the teaching approaches adopted by veterinary schools. This paper provides an inside perspective on the diversity of veterinary ethics teaching topics, based on an in-depth analysis of three European veterinary schools: Copenhagen, Lisbon and Nottingham. The case study approach integrated information from the analysis of syllabi contents and interviews with educators (curricular year 2010-2011). These results show that the curriculum of veterinary ethics is multidimensional and can combine a wide range of scientific, regulatory, professional and philosophical subjects, some of which may not be explicitly set out in the course descriptors. A conceptual model for veterinary ethics teaching is proposed comprising prominent topics included within four overarching concepts: animal welfare science, laws/regulations, professionalism, and theories/concepts. It is intended that this work should inform future curriculum development of veterinary ethics in European schools and assist ethical deliberation in veterinary practice.