Veterinary Patient Safety Beyond Ticking The Box

What is patient safety culture, and what are the critical aspects, and how does it affect outcomes for both patients and veterinary team members? While exploring patient safety culture and its impacts on on patient and provider well-being, participants will learn to identify characteristics of positive safety cultures, understand the current state of veterinary patient safety, and apply human factors tools to enhance safety practices. This presentation emphasizes the importance of open communication, error learning, and psychological safety, aiming to foster an environment where everyone contributes to continuous improvement and safe care.

LYDIA LOVE

DVM, DACVAA

Dr. Lydia Love is a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist with more than 2 decades of experience in the veterinary industry, from nonprofit community care to academic practice. She practices, promotes, and teaches excellence in perianesthetic care at the NC State CVM, with a dedicated focus on advancing patient safety culture. Her expertise encompasses the identification and implementation of human factors tools and strategies to improve communication, teamwork, and overall safety in clinical settings. Dr. Love is committed to fostering environments that prioritize psychological safety and continuous learning, aiming to minimize harm to both patients and providers.

The Critical Impact of
Medical Error

Patient safety events such as medical errors impact not only our patients and their owners, but also healthcare providers. These events can cause emotional distress, feelings of guilt, and they can even impact how we care for future patients. The concept of "second victim syndrome” highlights the need for support systems to help healthcare providers cope with the wide range of emotions and consequences that can occur following medical errors. Peer support networks have proven effective in reducing feelings of isolation and fostering resilience. A strong safety culture that encourages open reporting and psychological safety can also improve patient outcomes, reduce burnout, and enhance continuous learning within teams. This presentation explores the significant impact the medical errors can have on our hospital teams, and we will discuss strategies to support one another and create a safer, more empathetic work environment.

Melinda Larson

DVM, DACVIM (SAIM)

Dr. Melinda Larson graduated from the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, then proceeded to complete a small animal rotating internship and small animal internal medicine residency at the BluePearl Pet Hospital in Tampa, Florida. Following completion of her residency, Dr. Larson led the internal medicine service at the BluePearl Clearwater hospital, where she was involved in intern and resident training, as well as patient safety. In 2022, she became the Director of Medical Quality for BluePearl Pet Hospitals, where her broad focuses include quality improvement initiatives and advancing patient safety science within veterinary medicine.