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RCVS launches consultation on accreditation standards
"Our new proposals describe a more risk-based approach to accreditation." - Dr Linda Prescott-Clements.

The RCVS is seeking opinions within the professions on draft new standards and methodology. 

On 16 July 2021, the RCVS launched a six week long consultation on a proposed new set of standards and methodology to be used in the accreditation of UK and international veterinary degrees.

Running until 5pm on Friday, 27 August 2021, the consultation asks for feedback on a new set of accreditation standards. The RCVS will then use to assess the quality of veterinary degree programmes, alongside methodology which will be used to evaluate whether the accreditation standards are being met. 

Chair of the RCVS Education Committee, Dr Sue Paterson, said: “These proposed new standards are the culmination of a lengthy review process starting in September 2019 in which we have looked at international best practice, best practice from other healthcare fields and engaged with stakeholders to conduct a root-and-branch review of how we can better assure the quality of veterinary degrees, and the outcomes for our veterinary students.

“We believe that the new standards provide a new approach to assessing veterinary degrees and have the flexibility to apply across different curriculum and programme delivery models within vet schools, and so play a more significant role in driving quality improvement and educational innovation as well as assurance in the regulatory context.”

Alongside the standards, feedback is also requested on a new methodology which defines how the RCVS will determine if a veterinary degree programme meets the standards. This will include the evidence gathering and review process before an accreditation visitation, the visitation itself, and the post-visitation evaluation process.

The new standards and methodology have been published as separate PDF documents and are available to read alongside the questionnaire at rcvs.org.uk

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.