Creating guidelines within Blue Cross

This award-winning case example outlines how Blue Cross developed and implemented clinical guidelines to improve consistency, quality, and efficiency in veterinary care for over 60 common conditions seen across its hospitals. Using a structured process, the initiative focused on evidence-based decision-making, team collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Key takeaways

• Structured and evidence-based development process: Blue Cross followed a structured process to create the clinical guidelines, beginning with defining the scope and conducting literature reviews. Team members with a range of expertise and interests took part in discussions and provided feedback, ensuring a collaborative and informed approach. This process emphasised evidence-based decision-making and inclusivity.

• Positive impact on practice: Implementation led to a 15–20% reduction in cost per pet helped and a 28% reduction in medicine costs. It also improved consistency in care, reduced client complaints, and enhanced internal and external communications.
• Improved team engagement and satisfaction: The initiative fostered professional development through CPD and training provision, and created a shared understanding of treatment standards, benefiting veterinary teams, clients and patients.

Download the PDF and read the case example to get deeper insights into the methods and outcomes, and to apply these strategies in your own practice to enhance patient safety and care.