Developing consensus for definitions of key veterinary-specific quality improvement (QI) terms using an eDelphi-study method

Rooke, Freya; Burford, John; Doorly, Ashley; Gush, Chris; Brennan, Marnie L.

Abstract

Background: Quality improvement (QI) methods are a continuous process of iterative tests to improve the quality of a service or product. Using common language has been linked to the successful implementation of QI in human healthcare. This study aimed to assimilate and achieve consensus on veterinary-specific definitions for terms associated with quality care and QI methods in UK veterinary practice. Methods: A four-round modified eDelphi process with a panel of 50 UK veterinary practice stakeholders was used to generate consensus. The panel selected or suggested the definition they best felt ‘fitted’ each term. Consensus was reached if there was>70% agreement, and terms were eliminated if there was<15% selection. Results: Thirty-one panellists completed all three rounds of eDelphi; eight participants completed an optional feedback round. From 14 terms, 10 reached consensus, leaving four unresolved definitions. Conclusions: A majority of terms reached consensus; 90% were new or amended definitions proposed by panel members. Utilising plain English refined by stakeholders will allow successful implementation of QI in veterinary healthcare. Not all terms achieved consensus, highlighting a need for further research to enable successful integration of QI principles as seen in human healthcare.

Citation

Rooke, F., Burford, J., Doorly, A., Gush, C., & Brennan, M. L. (2021). Developing consensus for definitions of key veterinary-specific quality improvement (QI) terms using an eDelphi-study method. Veterinary Record, Article e1174. https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.1174

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 28, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Dec 10, 2021
• Publication Date: Dec 10, 2021
• Deposit Date: Dec 23, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 23, 2021
• Journal: Veterinary Record
• Print ISSN: 0042-4900
• Electronic ISSN: 2042-7670
• Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Article Number: e1174
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.1174
• Keywords: General Veterinary; General Medicine
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/7057485
• Publisher URL: https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/vetr.1174