New standards for Practice Standards Scheme

Following a five-year review of the Practice Standards Scheme, the new standards will take effect from 1 April 2010, and be formally launched at the British Small Animal Veterinary Association Congress in Birmingham (8-11 April).

The Scheme, to which around 50% of practice premises are now signed up, exists to raise standards for the benefit of the public, as well as employees.

The review was undertaken by the Practice Standards Group, which includes representatives from all of the key veterinary and veterinary nursing organisations. Its objective was to ensure that standards remain relevant and achievable, while representing better practice.

The Group took on board improvements in practice over the last five years, and feedback from inspectors and practices.

“It was important that the Group took account of what the public might reasonably expect of a well-equipped, professional practice,” says Practice Standards Group Chairman, Jill Nute. “We have made some adjustments to the original standards, placing greater emphasis on clinical outcomes and training.

“To ensure the Scheme goes beyond a ‘box-ticking exercise’, the emphasis for inspectors has moved towards assessing how standards are applied. For example, not just noting whether a protocol exists for the servicing of anaesthetic equipment, but asking staff involved how this is carried out and what checks are made on a daily basis to ensure the equipment is satisfactory,” adds Jill.

The numbered ‘tiers’ have gone, as these were shown to be confusing. The descriptive categories (Core, GP, Hospital), together with differentiations (equine, small animal, farm animal, emergency services clinic), remain.

In addition, to encourage more farm animal practices into the Scheme at GP level, ‘where applicable’ has been added to certain GP standards, so that those without small animal or equine facilities can comply.

There are some new standards – such as the requirement for annual appraisal systems for all clinical staff. In other cases, as expectations of better practice increase, standards that were previously for Hospitals must now be met by General Practices, and some of those for GPs now apply across the board.

Another positive change has been in the Manual (PDF file), which now incorporates guidance alongside the standards rather than in a separate document. The new format clarifies the derivation of each standard, so that legislative requirements are distinguished from those required under the RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct and those indicated by better practice.

Practices already on the Scheme will be given plenty of time to comply. RCVS Website- 17th March 2010