Annual Report 2000 - Australian Veterinary Association

Board ReportsAccreditation programsThroughout the past 12 months the association has discussed various concepts ofself-regulation and quality assurance.The Sign of the Centaur discussion paper proposed that the AVAembrace a quality assurance program as a means of self-regulation,promoting the profession and determining its post-graduate trainingand educational requirements.Sign of the Centaur was, in essence, a marketing program for theveterinary profession and the AVA to promote the value ofveterinarians to clients, animal industries and potential veterinaryemployees. The discussion paper was widely circulated andpresented to the AVA Policy Council.Response from members has been varied. The inclusion of“accreditation” and “quality assurance” has conjured up extremelynegative feelings. Past experience with accreditation programs andQA have not been pleasant and the concepts of quality assurance arenot widely understood. Accreditation and QA have become dirtywords.The AVA Board has redefined the needs and mechanics of amarketing program for the profession. Systems need to beimplemented that assure the quality of veterinary services,concentrating on specific procedures that are critical to clientsatisfaction and good practice. We need to set a standard of goodpractice, encourage professional improvement and promoteparticipating individuals and businesses.These are the central concepts of quality assurance and also afundamental aspect of being part of a profession.The AVA lifestyle survey was circulated in April 2000 and completedby 1,367 members. Survey results were reported on the AVA website, in the AVJ and the rural print media.The survey highlighted numerous issues the association and theprofession need to address. The chief reasons cited by respondentsfor leaving rural practice were “changed focus”, lack of careeropportunities, family, and after hours workload. Rural practitionerswork longer hours, perform more evenings and weekends on call,and receive less remuneration than city practitioners.Opportunities for rural veterinarians are integrally related to thefortunes of rural industries and areas. But they are also highlyinfluenced by individual veterinarians and their ability to adapt theirprofessional skills to the requirements of the industries they serve.The AVA continues to explore a range of services that will assist ruralveterinary practitioners.National Farmers FederationThe AVA continues to maintain a good working relationship with theNational Farmers Federation. AVA consults on a range of technicalissues on the NFF Quarantine and Animal Health Task Force.The AVA attended the inaugural National Farmers Federation youngfarmers forum. The focus of the three-day forum was “building onthe strengths, meeting the challenges” of rural and regionalAustralia.Rural Practice PoliciesThe Australian Veterinary Association has a strategic goal tomaintain the viability of rural veterinary practice. To assist indeveloping policies and action plans, Dr Geof Niethe and ProfessorTrevor Heath were commissioned to survey AVA members,identifying the advantages and disadvantages of rural veterinarypractice.182000 Annual Report - Australian Veterinary Association