What is quality? My definition of quality veterinary medicine is: safe, reliable, and effective healthcare that puts pets and their families first.
The acronym STEEEP from the Institutes of Medicine publication, Crossing the Quality Chasm, is a useful way to judge specific aspects of quality:
- SAFE – no harm to patients in hospitals
- TIMELY – ER care and test results should not be delayed
- EFFECTIVE – people need the right treatment for the right disease, with evidence-based recommendations put into practice quickly
- EFFICIENT – systems need to avoid duplication of testing and need to aim for the right diagnosis quickly
- EQUITABLE – all people, no matter their class or race, should be cared for equally
- PATIENT-CENTERED – the patient’s needs and wants should always be at the forefront
The Mayo Clinic states, “In order to be trusted, we must be safe.” In building quality veterinary care, we must start by identifying the hazards and risks in our hospitals. We then need to take a systems-based approach to finding workable ways to improve the safety and the care we provide.
Lessons Veterinarians should learn from Boeing
The story of the last two decades at Boeing has important warnings for the veterinary industry.
A Tribute to Passion & Excellence: Dr. D
What I learned from Dr. D was more than anatomic neurologic diagnosis. I learned that excellence comes from working hard, being passionate, and always being willing to give something back.
Winter is coming – are you prepared?
Winter is coming. Here are 10 suggestions to prepare your staff and hospital.
Protecting veterinary staff with COVID-19 checklists
Protecting veterinary staff with COVID-19 checklists A COVID-19 parable Sally started work as a client care representative at ABC Veterinary Hospital 6 weeks ago. She was just starting to understand…
More information about Medical Errors in Veterinary Hospitals
After discussion of my blog on vaccine errors, we decided to investigate on VIN how others respond to medical errors in veterinary hospitals.
Thoughts on preventing infectious disease spread
The COVID-19 outbreak is a good opportunity to discuss infectious disease spread. Is your veterinary hospital prepared for contagious patients?
Thoughts on 10000 hours
The concept of 10,000 hours, from Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers, is relevant to new veterinarians and practice owners who want to be successful but must deliberate for best impact.
Veterinary nurses – The heart of quality veterinary medical care
For veterinary technician appreciation week, we discuss a new study which provides evidence for the impact of veterinary nurses on patient safety and quality care. Appropriate veterinary nurse to patient ratios are key to preventing errors AND to decreasing burnout.
Grain Free Diets – Just Say NO
I strongly believe that we, as veterinarians, have an obligation to discuss the risks of grain free diets with all of our clients. The problem is real.
Veterinary Medical Errors Are a Real Threat for Patients
An interesting new journal publication demonstrates that veterinary medical errors are a significant risk, even in our best veterinary hospitals.