The 2020 RCVS Knowledge Awards, designed to recognise examples of continuous quality improvement (QI) in practice, are now open for applications and nominations.

Open to anyone working in a veterinary setting at any stage of their career, the competition rewards teams and individuals (clinical and non-clinical), who have achieved better outcomes through QI initiatives for patients, clients, the business or the working environment.

Individual winners will be crowned 'Knowledge Champions' and one team will become RCVS Knowledge’s 'Champion Practice'.

Each winner will also receive a £250 reward, tickets to the awards ceremony next calendar year and the opportunity to work with RCVS Knowledge to further promote their quality improvement work.

Candidates can nominate themselves or others for an award.

If you want to nominate a colleague, the deadline is 17^thOctober. The deadline to apply on your own behalf or that of your team/practice is 29^th November 2019.

Full details are available online: bit.ly/KnowledgeAwards.

Executive Director of RCVS Knowledge, Chris Gush said: "The 2019 awards shed light on the very good work those in the profession are doing to continually enhance quality, so we are delighted to bring the competition back for 2020.

"It is a great opportunity for individuals and teams to showcase their quality improvement initiatives. Whether it is clinically focused or aiming to improve procurement, we are keen to hear about the work that is underway."

Last year's awards highlighted inspirational QI projects such as a drugs audit that led to a ten-fold improvement in usage discrepancy; a quarterly clinical audit that enhanced nursing expertise and trust from veterinary surgeons; and the introduction of guidelines that coincided with the subsequent treatment of 2,639 additional animals.

The case examples submitted by each winner are available to download for free: 

• 'Champion Practice' Vets Now Macclesfield for its anaesthesia audit. 

• 'Knowledge Champion' Louise Northway RVN, Wendover Heights Veterinary Centre, for her anaesthesia audit.                         

• 'Knowledge Champion' Alison Thomas MRCVS, Blue Cross, for her case study: Creating clinical guidelines.

• 'Knowledge Champion' Angela Rayner MRCVS, CVS Group plc, for her case study: Controlled drugs process audit.

For more case examples and QI resources, visit: bit.ly/QIKnowledge

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vet nurses.