Diagnostic equipment use to be improved via new CVS clinical project

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CVS’ first opinion companion animal practices are setting out to improve the use of a wide range of veterinary diagnostic equipment as part of a new clinical improvement project.

CVS has invested £122 million in its sites, facilities, equipment and technology since the start of 2023. However, for some vets and nurses, a lack of training and confidence and a perceived lack of time to use some diagnostics equipment may be a barrier to equipment use and reliability.

The new CVS ‘Equipment Optimisation’ project will span seven areas of equipment[i], aiming to maximise its value and longevity. The project plans to do this by helping to increase colleague confidence in the equipment’s ability, and to improve its maintenance - thereby reducing down time. In this way it is hoped the project will ensure availability of the necessary equipment for patients undergoing CT, X-ray, dental X-ray, microscopy, endoscopy and laparoscopy work ups.

Each CVS practice will select one piece of equipment as a focus area for the next 12 months. As a practice team, every site will set project goals, use the Model for Improvement to create their plan[ii], lead and evaluate their own project, and share insights into what works.

To support practices in their work, CVS has created a new clinical projects hub, where relevant resources will be hosted together. Written by practicing clinicians, it will cover; equipment set up, basics and use; clinical interpretation; maintenance and troubleshooting; and real-life tips.

Colleague training will also be provided, in the form of in-practice mentoring[iii], radiation protection supervisor training, and a wide range of linked courses made available on CVS' unique Knowledge Hub online learning and development platform. In addition, CVS’ Vet Oracle Telemedicine services team will be on hand to support individual clinicians with expert advice.

Lizzie McLennan Green, CVS Companion Animal UK Veterinary Director, said:

“We’ve invested significantly in clinical equipment to improve patient diagnoses. And this project will help teams to feel confident in using and maintaining it. It offers a huge opportunity to continuously improve; offering better treatment and improved services to our clients and their animals. Each practice is being given the chance to select a piece of equipment that best fits their client base, their team and the way they work. We’re getting everyone involved from the start to tailor their own project – to make the process more targeted and meaningful. And to help colleagues, our clinical projects hub will be the go-to space containing all of the information, tools and support they need to get involved. It’ll also allow colleagues to connect with others, share ideas and build confidence as a wider team.”
CVS Group operates across small animal, farm animal, equine and laboratories, with over 500 veterinary practices and referral centres in the UK and Australia. CVS has invested £122 million in its sites, facilities, equipment and technology since the start of 2023, in addition to providing industry leading training and support, to give the best possible care to animals.
[i] CT, X-ray, dental X-ray, microscopy, endoscopy and laparoscopy
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[ii] Model for Improvement | Institute for Healthcare Improvement
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[iii] e.g. from IMV and Vesco
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