Research

Recent publications

• Anonymous (2025). Off the record. Anatomical oddities: a history lesson. In Practice, 47(4): 216
  • Abstract: I recently informed by seven-year-old nephew that the little extra flap of skin at the base of his cat’s ear – properly, the ‘cutaneous marginal pouch’ – is known as ‘Henry’s pocket’. Being a curious sort of chap, the inevitable question then came – who was Henry? And why did he/she have an…
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• Anonymous (2024). Off the record. The value of humour in practice. In Practice, 46(5): 272
  • Abstract: Picture the scene. A well-spoken older couple come into your consult room with their new pedigree puppy. You know the drill. You discuss preventative treatments, nutrition, training and neutering. They hang on your every word. You are thinking this is a brilliant consult: you are professional and knowledgeable and have..
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• Perrin HC (2023). Evidence-based recruitment. Part 3: From onboarding to integration. In Practice, 45(5): 297 – 300
  • Abstract: In parts one and two of this series, I explored research on the most effective components of recruitment advertising, and good practice for interviewing and selection of applicants. In this final article I discuss the literature on the third stage of recruitment: bringing a new person on board and integrating…
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• Perrin HC (2022). Evidence-based recruitment. Part 2: Best practice for interviewing and selection. In Practice, 44(8): 483 – 489
  • Abstract: In the current recruitment climate, interviewing candidates for a vacancy in your practice is a two-way process. Are they the right fit for you, and are you the right fit for them? This article is the second in a three-part series on evidence-based recruitment. The first part, published in the…
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• Perrin HC (2002). Effective recruitment advertising: Using an evidence-based approach. In Practice, 44(2): 109 – 459
  • Abstract: It is no secret that the veterinary profession is going through a ‘recruitment crisis’, with many practices struggling to fill positions. This article examines some of the research on what actually works in recruitment advertising, and offers some evidence-based advice on the most effective way to attract appropriate applicants to…
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• Perrin HC (2019). Ensuring a positive working relationship with your new graduate starter. In Practice, 41: 457 – 459
  • Abstract: As one academic year finishes and the next begins, employers look to the pool of newly graduated vets to fill positions in their practice. This article looks at the changing nature of contemporary practice and how this influences recruitment within the veterinary profession. It discusses what practices value most from…
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• Perrin HC (2019). What are employers looking for in new veterinary graduates? A content analysis of UK veterinary job advertisements. Journal of Veterinary Medical Education, 46(1): 21 – 27
  • As veterinary educators, we have a responsibility to ensure that our graduates are prepared for working life. Veterinary practices, like any other business, rely on good employees, and the implications of a poor match between newly employed veterinarian and employing practice could be extremely costly in terms of personal…
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• Perrin HC (2017). Improving safety through changes to practice culture. Vet Record, 180(19): 470 – 471
  • Abstract: If someone came to your practice for an interview, toured the building and met the staff, what would their impression be? Would they say that the place felt friendly? Professional? Patient-focused? What would you want for your workplace? ‘Practice culture’ is tricky to pin down. Definitions generally include an organisation’s…
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Current research

• Practice Manager Salaries Project