College Connection | Page 6

college connection college connection LEARNING IN PRACTICE ACCOUNTABILITY CASE SUMMARY The member examined a 15-year-old small dog. The dog had a history of chronic pyelonephritis, and dental disease and had received regular care for both issues. The dog had weight loss, inappetance, weakness, and small dark bowel movements. The dog was hospitalized for diagnostic testing and treatment. The dog was diagnosed and treated for a gastric ulcer and pancreatitis. When the clients arrived several days later to pick up their dog, they learned the dog had just had a seizure. The dog was discharged. Over the next several hours, the dog had more seizures and the clients contacted another veterinary clinic where the dog was euthanized. A few days later, the client went to speak with the member about the treatment provided by the clinic. The conversation became heated and ended with the member using curse words and unprofessional language towards the client. The member issued a written apology. CASE CONSIDERATIONS College Connection Upon review of the medical records the panel noted the dog had been azotemic (had elevated kidney enzymes) for several years, and that this was a progressive situation. There appears to have been an assumption made that the dog’s clinical signs were from chronic pyelonephritis, with no consideration to other disease processes. The panel was unable to determine if the member understood there was the possibility the dog was suffering from end stage renal failure as opposed to primary pyelonephritis, and that is what resulted in his progressive weight loss, clinical signs, and development of a gastric ulcer and ultimately seizures. If this was the case, then no amount of extra medication to control seizure activity would have helped the dog and his prognosis for recovery was very grave. If treatment was to be undertaken at this stage, the clients should have been informed of their options. Humane euthanasia was an appropriate option, Key Considerations Professional Practice Standard - Medical Records A quality record is fundamental to quality practice. Review the standard for details on practice expectations. A Guide to the Standard Medical Records The Guide to the standard presents suggestions on how to meet the standard in practice. www.cvo.org/Resources Communications with Clients A College offers workshops to assist members with communication strategies in complex situations. www.cvo.org/Workshops The Portal is an online tool which supports convenient and efficient communication between the College and licensed members. The portal is also the home for the online licence renewal form. The College is a public organization, committed to transparency and customer Facility Accreditation Emblem download today! The new Facility Accreditation Emblem is now available for use by accredited veterinary facilities. Promote your commitment to quality veterinary care and service by letting everyone know your veterinary facility meets provincial standards and supports safe, quality animal care. • Get the Facility Accreditation Emblem at http://www.cvo.org/getemblem. • Read and agree to the Guidelines for Use. • Download the Emblem package. • Upload the Emblem to your website’s server. • Link the Emblem to http://www.cvo.org/ facilityaccreditation. For further information, contact Kim Huson, Communications Specialist, [email protected]. LE GE OF VET E R ACCREDITED FACILITY OF O N TA R I O I ANS / When the clients suggested it might be time to euthanize the dog, the member assured them the dog could be treated. The member discharged the dog despite the fact it had just had a seizure. When the clients asked what to do if something happened with the dog while at home, the member did not provide them with an emergency service but told them to look in the yellow pages. When the client met with the member to discuss the case after the dog’s death, the member behaved in an inappropriate, insensitive and unprofessional manner. The panel was disappointed by the member’s unprofessional behaviour to the client, especially knowing the client had just lost his beloved pet. The panel acknowledges the member did issue a formal apology for his words. service. Through the Professional Practice Portal, licensed members can access College resources and secure license, incorporation and accreditation services at their convenience. AR 6 The panel agreed with the allegation that the member failed to properly manage and treat the dog which resulted in the dog’s unnecessary suffering. especially after the dog developed seizure activity. The College is taking every opportunity to improve its outreach and accessibility to members of the public and to licensed veterinarians. The new Professional Practice Portal is one example. IN The panel reviewed all material and felt their ability to draw any conclusions was hampered by the lack of information in the medical records. There was little or no detailed information on complete physical examination findings, assessment of medical condition, assessment of laboratory data, thoughtful process of potential rule outs for laboratory abnormalities or indication of communication with clients. As well, there wasn’t any indication of prognosis and treatment options. The panel directed the member to review his professional obligations to maintain complete medical records. online area now available for licence renewal L written & verbal communication are key in client interactions Professional Practice Portal THE CO Members of the veterinary profession have a responsibility to uphold standards to ensure the public has access to safe, quality veterinary care. When those standards are compromised, the College responds. Every veterinarian can learn from these situations and publishing the details of complaints received and resolved is intended to support that learning. The example below is taken from an actual case and is offered as a self-reflection tool to improve practice across the province. www.cvo.org/portal The College is pleased to offer licensed veterinarians a new opportunity to communicate with the College. Check it out! Heads Up – This Could Be You! A small animal clinic in the process of hiring a veterinarian, posted an ad on a classified website. Resumes started coming to the hiring manager and the selection process started based on availability and experience. The interview process began and each candidate was given an interview appointment with the practice owner. References were contacted and based on these the candidate was selected. An on the job session was then conducted to assure that the selected candidate had the communication skills necessary to manage clients and staff. The veterinarian showed professionalism towards patients, clients and staff, inclusive of veterinary medical skills. And, equally important, the veterinarian provided a CVO licence number. Three and a half months passed and the hired veterinarian practised veterinary medicine at my clinic. One day a CVO inspector visited my practice unannounced. The question was whether the hired veterinarian was practising as he/ she did not hold a CVO licence to practice in Ontario. I was not aware of the fact that the hired veterinarian did not hold a valid CVO licence. Looking back, I did not verify the validity of this CVO licence number. But understanding this unfortunate information, I immediately terminated the employment of this veterinarian. Further, I implemented a change in the hiring process; which now includes a check of a candidate’s licensure before an invitation for interview. So, my lesson, ask questions about the CVO licensure in checking new hires. They must hold a VALID CVO licence. Your reputation is on the line as the owner. Lessons learned: Practice owner • Check every candidate on the CVO website for a valid licence BEFORE hiring • Have a doubt, call the CVO office. Candidate • Do not apply for a job before you obtain a CVO Licence • Inform the practice owner if you do not have a CVO licence and when you will have it. At least the practice owner is not going to schedule you for work before you get it • Have a doubt, call the CVO office. Respectfully, a colleague Fall 2015 / 7