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.
When Mistakes Happen, Look for System Changes
When a medical mistake happens, it is tempting to just urge staff to be more careful. You’ll be more effective if you look at why and at system changes.
The Importance of Why for Veterinary Hospitals
Many people ask me why ownership of veterinary groups is important. I believe that the reason and beliefs behind WHY your business was founded matter.
The Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything: Checklists
As I mentioned last week, I am an Atul Gawande “groupie.” His book, The Checklist Manifesto, convinced me that checklists are key to how we improve the quality of care.…
Five lessons for being a Positive deviant
“Arriving at meaningful solutions is an inevitably slow and difficult process. Nonetheless what I saw was: better is possible. It does not take genius. It takes ingenuity. And above all,…
The Impact of Consolidation on Price and Quality
“Furthermore, the evidence suggests that system formation has primarily served to increase market power, not improve patient care quality or hospital efficiency, at least in the short run. ” –…
Quality doesn’t stop at the door: Supporting treatment compliance
The importance of compliance As discussed previously, I define quality as safe, reliable and effective healthcare that puts pets and their families first. I have discussed some strategies for improving…
A seat at the table: The case for Chief Veterinary Technician Officers
Chief Veterinary Technician Officers Today I am going to take a break from the veterinary debt issue. National Veterinary Technician week is my opportunity to advocate for technician leaders. In…
Prognosis and outcome – Using evidence, technology, and research to help clients make good decisions
Prognosis and outcome – Using evidence, technology and research to help clients make good decisions Several years ago, when I was the medical director of my former hospital, I received…
Preventing infectious disease spread in your veterinary hospital: Five rules to follow
Preventing infectious disease spread in your veterinary hospital: Five rules to follow Canine influenza outbreaks across the country have shown us how rapidly a respiratory disease can spread when community…
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