Ultrasound scan rates dramatically up in clinical improvement project
Project given ‘highly commended’ in RCVS Knowledge Quality Improvement Awards
A CVS nation-wide clinical improvement project has dramatically improved the use of ultrasound scans in first opinion diagnosis. Within 12 months, it has led to an additional 3,675 scans being conducted across the small animal division within CVS by both vets and nurses.
The success of the programme has been recognised with RCVS Knowledge ‘highly commended’ status at its 2024 awards.
Ultrasound is a commonly used medical diagnostic tool within the veterinary field. It has many applications, including diagnostic work up, disease screening and clinical research. Many patients can benefit from ultrasonography, especially patients with gastrointestinal diseases – one of the most prevalent mid-level diagnosis in first opinion practice[i].
The CVS clinical improvement project found a key barrier to conducting ultrasound scans was a lack of confidence - both in using equipment and interpreting images - with a lack of university and college training cited. A recent Canadian industry study has also reviewed barriers, citing a lack of equipment, training and skills as root causes[ii].
As a result, the ultrasound project aimed to review practice equipment, improve clinician case identification, increase clinical skills and confidence, and recommend ultrasound in all appropriate cases.
A suite of resources was produced for vets and nurses to help improve ultrasound scan rates. These included clinical guidelines, webinars for how to approach cases, and machine guides. This was supported by new client educational resources.
To upskill and develop colleagues, training sessions were also held. Vet training focussed on case identification and improving diagnostic skills, whilst vet nurse training looked at how to use ultrasound equipment and conduct scans. Sessions comprised of one-to-one in practice training by CVS’regional clinical leads, online tutorial videos, and online ‘Clinical Cuppa’ webinar sessions involving case examples and interactive case discussions. In addition, a number of face-to-face Point of Care ultrasound training days were held to upskill nurses so they could start scanning to support their vets.
An audit of each participating practices’ ultrasound scan rates was conducted at the start of the project. Results were then shared with each practice every month.
Twelve months after launch, data shows that the number of ultrasound scans has increased by 3,675. Anecdotal evidence has also shown that colleague confidence and practice team culture has improved as a result of the project.
Dr Victoria Woods, Regional Clinical Lead at CVS responsible for the ultrasound clinical improvement project, said:
“Ultrasound is a powerful diagnostic imaging tool. It can be used to identify a wide number of small animal complications and diseases. It’s fantastic to see the benefits increased ultrasonography is already bringing to our practices on this project – especially as a result of upskilling our nurses. I am certain that this will help contribute towards them providing some of the best clinical diagnosis and care in our profession.”
Following the success of the project in its first year, the project is now being developed to focus on echocardiograph and is being undertaken in 52 CVS primary care practices in year two.
CVS Group operates across small animal, farm animal, equine, laboratories and crematoria, with over 500 veterinary practices and referral centres in the UK and Australia. In the last five years the company has invested nearly £80 million in its sites, facilities and equipment, in addition to industry leading training and support, to give the best possible care to animals.
[2] The use of veterinary point-of-care ultrasound by veterinarians: A nationwide Canadian survey - PMC (nih.gov)