Future of the Practice Standards Scheme
Jacqui Molyneux
The future of the Practice Standards Scheme (PSS) was explained today at the BVNA Congress, in a talk given by vice-president of the RCVS, Jacqui Molyneux.
Beginning with an overview of the current three-tier scheme, which was introduced in 2005, Jacqui reflected on some criticisms of the scheme.
Critics have branded the scheme "too bureaucratic", inflexible, burdensome to small practices, "meaningless to clients" and not focused enough on standards of care.
Acting upon this feedback, the Practice Standards Group, of which Jacqui is Chairman, drafted a list of improvements for the scheme and it is hoped that a new PSS will be put into place in 2015.
Approximately 2700 practices are currently part of the scheme, which represents 52 per cent of practices. The aim of the new scheme, according to Jacqui, is to "give practices every reason to be in the scheme, and no reason not to be in it."
This is still "very much in the planning stages," but it is thought that the new PSS will take a modular approach, comprising of 20 modules. All of the existing elements of the scheme will remain, however new aspects of practice to be assessed include client service, pain, dentistry and nursing.
General practices (GP) will be accredited GP Bronze, GP Silver or GP Gold, depending on the amount of points accumulated. A maximum of 200 points may be awarded for each module.
To attain the level of general hospital (currently level 3 in the tier system), it is thought that practices will need to first achieve either GP Silver or GP Gold status.
Currently in discussion is the possibility of adding a "referral hospital" category above the level of general hospital, to recognise the work of the "all singing, all dancing" hospitals.
Further, a new IT system is expected to be introduced which could be similar to the NPL. It is hoped that the web-based system will allow practices to submit documents online ahead of their inspection.
Using an online self-assessment tool, members can monitor their progress and non-members will be able to find out which level they are already at. Jacqui says the scheme aims to "reward those who strive for the highest levels of client care."
After the modular system was approved in June, a pilot test of two modules is to be carried out this year. As the scheme will be self-funded a feasibility study is also to be carried out to assess costs etc. Furthermore, Jacqui says training of inspectors is a possibility, to help iron out inconsistencies, which us another criticism of the current scheme.
Under the new PSS, Jacqui says that a large amount of points can be achieved by employing registered veterinary nurses. BVNA's junior vice president Kirstie Shield is heading up the nursing unit of the new scheme and will be attending a meeting at the end of the month. Veterinary nurses are invited to contact her with thoughts or concerns regarding the new scheme.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
