VetSafe Essentials

If you’re already signed up VetSafe, you can access the VetSafe Essentials course directly here (VetSafe log in required). If you are a VDS member and don’t yet have access to the new platform, you can request access here.

Already completed VetSafe Essentials? Our VetSafe Mastery course is the next step for those leading Quality Improvement (QI) in their practice.

Learning to Build Safer Systems

We all come into work each day wanting to do the best for our patients, clients and teams. Yet we know that sometimes, things don’t always go to plan. When that happens, it can be distressing for the patient, the clinicians involved and the wider team.

But when things don’t go as expected, there’s also an opportunity to learn, adapt and make systems safer for everyone. VetSafe, provided by VDS Support, is a service that combines an event reporting tool with insights, resources and support to help the veterinary profession improve care every day through supported teams, learning cultures and safer systems.

Get Started

The VetSafe Essential course is your starting point. It explains what VetSafe is, and how it can help you, your patients, your team, and your practice learn why mistakes happen in practice (spoiler alert …it’s rarely due to one person’s actions alone!) and why they are such a valuable learning opportunity. You’ll explore the principles of Human Factors and Systems Thinking and see how these concepts connect with clinical audit, clinical governance and practice standards scheme requirements.

You’ll also learn how to use the VetSafe platform effectively to report events, reflect on them, and begin building a safer and more supportive workplace.

Is this course for me?

VetSafe Essentials is included in VetSafe access for VDS members and open to anyone in the practice team including vets, RVNs, practice managers and support staff. It’s a great starting point for team members who haven’t used VetSafe before or want a refresher.

What can I expect?

• Online modular learning that you can complete at your own pace
• 6 hours CPD (2 per module)
• Practical and relevant guidance and tools to help you and your practice understand why mistakes happen and what can be done to prevent them in the future
• Free access for VDS members, with modules suitable for the whole team

How much does it cost?

Included in VetSafe access (VDS member) / £75 + VAT (Non-member)*

*Price per person 

VetSafe is an online incident reporting tool provided by VDS Support Limited (trading as VDS Support) to the veterinary profession. VDS Support Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Veterinary Defence Society Limited (VDS).

You should be aware if booking this course as a non VDS member that they focus on the VetSafe incident reporting system, a VDS member benefit.