Topic: QI

The 2027 RCVS Knowledge Quality Improvement awards are now open for applications with new award categories covering more quality improvement (QI) techniques.

While the awards previously focused on clinical audit, the entry criteria have been expanded to include other approaches to QI. The awards “celebrate the creativity, courage and dedication of veterinary teams that improve their everyday practice through quality improvement”.

The categories are: 

• Improving patient outcomes – for projects that have improved the safety, health and welfare or quality of life of veterinary patients.
• Improving veterinary teamwork – open to initiatives that have strengthened communication, collaboration, psychological safety, leadership or workplace culture within veterinary teams.
• Improving service delivery – that have enhanced the efficiency, accessibility, reliability or overall experience of veterinary services.
• Improving antimicrobial stewardship – practical examples where teams are improving antimicrobial stewardship using recognised quality improvement methods.

Projects involving any species can be submitted by any member of the veterinary practice team across first opinion, referral and peripatetic services, higher education facilities and both clinic-based and ambulatory practice.

“A successful application will present a well-designed project delivered through collaborative practice, demonstrating effective use of QI methods and data, meaningful and measured impact, and thoughtful reflection,” RCVS Knowledge says.

Apply (and see last year’s winners) at https://www.rcvsknowledge.org/awards/rcvs-knowledge-quality-improvement-awards/.