Photo of Luiz Santos

Can you tell us about your background?

I am a board-certified veterinary anaesthesiologist with educational experience across various countries, including Brazil, USA, Australia, and the UK. Currently, I work at the University of Glasgow as a senior clinician in veterinary anaesthesiology, where I also engage in simulation-based education, helping shape the learning experience for staff and veterinary students. One of my key research interests involves patient safety and human factors in veterinary medicine. This blend of clinical practice, education, and research has shaped my approach to improving outcomes in veterinary care.

What can you tell us about your PhD?

My PhD focuses on applying human factors to improve patient safety in veterinary medicine, which is still an emerging area in our field. I aim to explore how adverse events affect clinicians psychological and physical well-being. I also delve into how organizational culture and leadership impact error reporting and disclosure, as these are crucial factors in shaping a transparent, safety-focused work environment. My research incorporates cross-section observational studies, and the implementation of interventions designed to enhance veterinary staff well-being and patient care. The overarching goal is to foster a safety culture that benefits both patients and professionals.

What is the focus of your research?

The focus of my research is quite broad, encompassing both clinical and non-clinical research. Over the last five years, I have shifted my focus toward understanding how elements such as teamwork, communication, leadership, and workplace culture influence both the quality of patient care and the well-being of veterinary professionals. A particular area of interest for me is the handover process during the recovery of patients from anaesthesia, where communication breakdowns can lead to critical errors.

A significant recent aspect of my research is my collaboration with the University of Aberdeen, where we are investigating the impact of incivility on veterinary professionals and how organizational support can mitigate this. I believe this field has the potential to drive meaningful improvements in both patient outcomes and the workplace environment.

I also explore systemic issues that contribute to inefficiencies and errors, such as the physical and emotional toll on clinicians. The second victim phenomenon is a key area of my work, as many veterinary professionals experience significant emotional distress after being involved in patient safety incidents. Addressing this issue means not only supporting those affected but also finding ways to create a culture where errors can be openly discussed without fear of judgment. Barriers to error reporting and disclosure are another significant focus, as these are often linked to how organizations and their leaders handle mistakes. By examining these factors, I aim to uncover the root causes that prevent reporting and to propose strategies that encourage transparency and learning from errors.

Another aspect of my research involves investigating how leadership and organizational support can foster a culture of safety, where communication is open, and error reporting is not stigmatized. I believe that creating an environment where individuals feel psychologically safe to disclose mistakes is essential for improving both individual and team performance.

Ultimately, I hope my research can help establish best practices that promote not only patient safety but also clinician well-being in veterinary hospitals. The veterinary profession is at a critical point where adopting principles from human healthcare - like error disclosure, second victim support, and effective leadership - can lead to substantial improvements.

Why did you decide to do your PhD in this field?

Because I recognized a gap in addressing human factors in veterinary medicine, particularly around patient safety and clinician well-being. Having seen firsthand how errors and stress can affect both outcomes and veterinary professionals, I was motivated to bring more focus to this area. My interest in how culture and leadership influence the handling of errors, especially the impact on second victims, aligned with my clinical and teaching experiences.

What do you find most interesting about your work? What has been the most positive aspect so far?

It’s fascinating to see how small changes in communication, leadership, or practice’s culture can lead to significant improvements in outcomes for both patients and professionals.

Working on projects with the University of Aberdeen, examining the effects of incivility, has provided valuable insights into how much organizational support can impact veterinary professionals' well-being.

Seeing how awareness around patient safety and human factors has gained interest from the wider veterinary community worldwide has also been immensely rewarding.

What advice would you give to anyone doing or considering a PhD?

Choose a research topic you are passionate about, as this will sustain you through the challenges. It can also be helpful to think about a topic you want to be known as an expert in - this focus can guide your work and help you build a niche in the field. Building a strong support network, both academically and personally, is essential, as is seeking collaboration across disciplines, which can provide fresh perspectives and open new opportunities. Additionally, maintaining a balance between research, work, and personal life is crucial for staying motivated. Be open to new insights and unplanned discoveries; often, the most valuable findings come from unexpected areas. Above all, persistence and curiosity are key to a successful and fulfilling a PhD journey.

Tell us about your future plans.

I plan to continue my research on human factors and patient safety. I’m particularly interested in expanding my work on the impact of adverse events on second victims to veterinary students. Teaching will remain a core part of my career, as I am passionate about fostering the next generation of veterinarians who are equipped with a strong understanding of patient safety and well-being. I also intend to stay active in clinical work, ensuring my research remains directly relevant to practical veterinary care. In the long term, I would like to see patient safety become a central focus in veterinary education and practices globally.

First published: 18 October 2024

<< Researcher Spotlight