Aims and scope

 

The Veterinary Evidence journal supports veterinarians, veterinary nurses, and paraprofessionals to practice evidence-based veterinary medicine in order to enhance the quality of care provided to animals.

Veterinary Evidence is a peer-revieweddiamond open access journal that translates research into practical knowledge for veterinary professionals. It supports evidence-based veterinary medicine (EBVM) by publishing clinically relevant Knowledge Summaries and articles to inform decision-making in veterinary practice.

Veterinary Evidence provides a platform for the critical appraisal, synthesis, evaluation and translation of evidence provided by research to enhance the quality of care provided to animals.

Scope

The journal welcomes submissions that:

  • Critically appraise or synthesise scientific evidence relevant to veterinary practice
  • Evaluate clinical and quality improvement interventions
  • Support informed clinical decision-making
  • Advance standards in EBVM methodology and reporting
  • Contribute to professional development in the interpretation and application of evidence

Article types considered include:

  • Knowledge Summaries
  • Original research articles
  • Narrative reviews
  • Scoping reviews
  • Systematic reviews and systematic review protocols
  • Clinical audits
  • Clinical guidelines

The primary purpose of the journal is to provide information that supports the practice of evidence-based veterinary medicine. Clinical audits and quality improvement practices are included in this paradigm. Papers that address common and important clinical topics are of particular interest as well as articles on the evidence based veterinary medicine methods and resources. All species encountered in clinical practice and all aspects of clinical practice are within the scope of the journal.

What we look for in submissions

Submissions must demonstrate clear relevance to veterinary science and clinical practice.

Reports of audit, quality improvement or educational initiatives should be presented as scholarly evaluation rather than internal reporting. Manuscripts must provide transparent descriptions of methodology, data collection and analysis, and include appropriate critical reflection on findings and limitations.

Where appropriate, authors should explain the lessons learned and implications for wider veterinary practice.

Descriptive accounts without evaluation, or submissions primarily intended as internal reporting rather than advancement of evidence-based practice, are outside the journal’s scope.

Clinical case reports and articles that that have limited generalisability or low evidential value will not be accepted.

Original research articles must demonstrate the application of appropriate scientific methodology and ethical approval.  

Manuscripts focused exclusively on advancing human medical research without direct veterinary relevance will not be considered.

All submissions undergo double-anonymised peer review. Final decisions on publication rests with the Editor-in-Chief, supported by the Editorial Board.

Manuscripts that do not align with the journal’s aims and scope will not be considered for review.

Ethical conduct

Consensus Author Guidelines on Animal Ethics and Welfare for Veterinary Journals

All material published in Veterinary Evidence must adhere to high ethical standards concerning animal welfare.

Animal ethics-based criteria for manuscript consideration

Manuscripts will be considered for publication only if the work detailed therein:

  1. Follows international, national, and/or institutional guidelines for humane animal treatment and welfare, and complies with relevant legislation;
  2. Where ethical review is expected, has been approved by an internal or external ethics review committee;
  3. For studies using client-owned animals, demonstrates a high standard (best practice) of veterinary care and involves informed client consent

Prior to acceptance of a manuscript, to verify compliance with the above policies, the authors must:

  1. Confirm in writing that legal and ethical requirements have been met with regards to the humane treatment of animals described in the study;
  2. Specify in Materials and Methods the ethical review committee approval process and the international, national, and/or institutional guidelines followed.

Animal ethics-based criteria for manuscript rejection

  1. Manuscripts and authors that fail to meet the aforementioned requirements;
  2. Studies that involve unnecessary pain, distress, suffering, or lasting harm to animals;
  3. The Editor retains the right to reject manuscripts on the basis of ethical, public health or welfare concerns

About Veterinary Evidence