ABCs of EBVM
5. Why is EBVM important?
5.3. How does EBVM apply to Quality Improvement?
5.3 How does EBVM apply to Quality Improvement?
Quality Improvement is a systematic approach to reviewing the quality of our practice in order to make changes to ensure continuous improvement. It encompasses a variety of specific techniques and tools, including clinical audit, benchmarking, significant event audit and the creation and implementation of guidelines and checklists.
You might be involved in carrying out a clinical audit in your practice as part of a practice accreditation scheme, such as the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme . More and more practices are signing up to practice accreditation schemes, which provide quality assurance for consumers. The principles of using EBVM in carrying out clinical audit are covered in the Assess section.
Many veterinary practices are following the human healthcare approach and developing their own practice protocols and guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of common conditions. In some cases, these protocols and guidelines will, by necessity, be based on the clinical experience of the practitioners, as this may be the only form of evidence available.
However, as EBVM is incorporated into veterinary practice and more quality scientific evidence becomes available, it is reasonable to expect that such guidelines will incorporate reliable evidence and be developed using the principles of EBVM. This will be covered in the Apply section.
The benefits of using these EBVM principles for Quality Improvement may include greater client and staff satisfaction, better patient outcomes and assist practice management decisions around future business development.
Find out more about Quality Improvement in the veterinary professions .