With the sun shining and the easing of COVID restrictions continuing as planned, there is a palpable air of optimism across the country. We are all hoping for a better year after the annus horribilis of 2020, with falling case numbers and the success of the vaccination programme providing cause for celebration. However, experiences with other viruses, both human and animal, suggest that we are naïve if we believe that the road ahead is a smooth one.
While our domestic situation is currently positive, the global position is decidedly less so. During such times the concept of ‘global health’ is increasingly important, and we ignore its challenges in Europe and further abroad at our peril. Recent geopolitical events such as Brexit, combined with the increasingly nationalistic rhetoric coming from other nations, have unfortunately preceded a global health crisis which has, to some extent, been propagated by the globalisation of society. How we choose to approach these challenges will have a significant impact on how effectively we are able to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic on a global scale.
Futurology is defined as the attempt to systematically explore predictions and possibilities about the future and how these can emerge from the present, usually in the context of human society or of life on Earth in general. Some current futurist predictions are thought provoking; one think tank estimates that in 10 years time 66% of workers will be doing jobs which don't currently exist and the average time employees spend in a role will be just 4.4 years, with workers expected to change roles over 10 times during their careers. Technology will undoubtedly continue to develop and is likely to make many jobs obsolete, but it is encouraging that jobs requiring human elements such as empathy and decision making will always remain and skilled workers in such areas will continue to be highly valued. Such predictions are driving calls for radical change in education and the workplace, with a shift towards developing problem-solving skills alongside traditional content-based learning.
The world seems a far less certain place than it did 10 or 20 years ago. Back then, few of us would have predicted the sweeping changes brought about by the corporatisation of the veterinary industry. We have all had to become futurists to a certain extent, as now more than ever we have to meet the challenges affecting society as a whole, as well as our profession specifically. We must consider how we attract and retain vets, nurses and support staff when increasing numbers are leaving the profession? How do we look after the mental health of our professionals? How can we improve remuneration within the profession, while remaining profitable?
One prediction we can all unanimously agree on is that this issue of UK Vet Equine will be packed full of quality articles. Diagnostic anaesthesia has been the subject of increasing scrutiny in the peer reviewed literature and Judith Findley discusses the interpretation of nerve blocks in the distal limb. Kayna Prescott looks at ways to optimise the welfare of equids on box rest, while Jennifer Nellist continues the theme of welfare by presenting a look at equine behaviour and methods of combatting stress in horses. Philip Cramp discusses techniques for performing safe upper airway surgery in the standing horse, also taking a wider view on the pros and cons of standing surgery. Finally, Jo White and colleagues look at how the science of behaviour change can be applied to achieve improved owner compliance in the management of strangles.
So, as we get excited at the prospect of being with five other people, let alone in a large gathering, let us channel our inner futurist to ensure the veterinary profession is prepared to meet the challenges of post-pandemic life.