Checklist poster launched to assist vets with Schedule 3

The RCVS has produced a six-point checklist poster for use in the practice setting to help vets remember the key things they need to consider when delegating work to VNs under Schedule 3.

Using the memorable mnemonic “SUPERB”, the checklist is:

• Specific procedure – is the procedure medical treatment or minor surgery not involving entry into a body cavity?
• Under care – is the animal under your care?
• Person – can you delegate to this person?
• Experience – does the RVN/SVN feel capable, and have sufficient competence and expertise?
• Risks – have you considered the risks specific to this case?
• Be there – are you available to direct or supervise as necessary?

Delegation

Only if veterinary surgeons can answer all six questions in the affirmative, can they delegate to RVNs and SVNs accordingly.

An A3/A4 poster (pictured right) setting out the key principles of delegation has now been prepared and will be printed and posted to all UK veterinary practice premises this autumn.

The poster will also available to download from www.rcvs.org.uk/schedule3 – where further resources about delegation are available, including links to the relevant chapter of the supporting guidance to the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct and the Schedule 3 case studies.

In a statement, the RCVS said: “Following an RCVS survey of the veterinary professions to gauge how well both vets and vet nurses understood the provisions of Schedule 3, it was clear both groups, but especially vets, could benefit from some additional guidance and greater clarity around some of the terms and language in the schedule.”