Clinical Governance

Question 1

what is clinical governance?

Answer 1

RCVS - veterinary practices are accountable for continuously improving the quality of their services through proving high standards of care by creating an excellent clinical environment

reflection - analysis - improvement

Question 2

you and clinical governance?

Answer 2

CPD
reflection
communication
critical analysis 
limiting own practice appropriately - only doing what's comfortable

Question 3

the veterinary team and animal safety?

Answer 3

communication 
know and understand all options 
critical event meetings/mortality meetings - safe place no blame 
avoid mistakes/confusion 
protocols and policies

Question 4

the veterinary team and clinical effectiveness?

Answer 4

training 
protocols involving current CPD
systems to discuss new products and equipment 
policies for CPD funding 
meetings / lunch and learn

if anything goes wrong have evidence of trying/changes/adaptions

Question 5

veterinary team and patient/client experience?

Answer 5

complaints procedures
continuity of care
protocols for pain relief (eg pain scores)
record keeping
communication (leaflets, mail, emails, calls)

Question 6

when can RCVS take action?

Answer 6

under veterinary surgeons act 1966
fitness to practice
- criminal conviction
- disgraceful conduct
- harm/risk of harm - to animals, self, staff or public
- any mental or physical condition that may impair work

examples

• drugs or any health condition which compromises perception, cognitive or insight
• failure to demonstrate reasonable steps to address issue (eg. see doctor)
• refusal to undergo a medical exam or provide medical reports

Question 7

RCVS investigation?

Answer 7

public interest - if of interest then will be named
fitness to practice
ethical and clinical standards
VS/VN interests
case referral - medical approach or disciplinary committee

Question 8

RCVS process

Answer 8

complaint - by senior member of staff

RCVS

• RVN/VS preliminary investigation committee
• medical examination
• disciplinary committee - criminal conviction/removal from register/exonerated