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.
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