Better patient outcomes don’t end at discharge. Understanding how our patients recover at home is essential to delivering care that is not only clinically effective, but truly comprehensive.
This month, the team at Animal Emergency Service Tanawha launched a new Patient Outcome Survey focused on snake envenomation cases – a high-risk emergency we see frequently across the region. Led by Dr Matt Hollindale, this initiative aims to better understand how patients recover after treatment and how we can support their progress beyond the hospital.
Why This Matters
Snakebite is one of the most time-critical presentations in emergency medicine. While most patients recover well with prompt administration of antivenene and supportive care, each recovery is unique – and not always predictable. We currently have limited data on how pets fare in the days and weeks following discharge.
The new Patient Outcome Survey is designed to gather owner-reported insights that can complement clinical data. It focuses on:
- How quickly pets return to normal behaviours and appetite
- Any ongoing symptoms or unexpected changes
- How confident owners feel managing recovery at home
- Whether discharge information and follow-up guidance are clear and helpful
This information will help our teams evaluate and improve treatment protocols, discharge planning, and post-hospital support—ensuring care continues in a meaningful way once the patient leaves our hands.
A Step Towards Value-Based Veterinary Care
This project also supports a broader shift toward value-based veterinary care: an approach that prioritises outcomes, not just interventions. By looking at what matters most to patients and their carers—comfort, function, recovery time—we’re able to assess the true effectiveness of our treatment pathways.
It’s a practical, evidence-informed step that aligns closely with AEA’s mission to continually improve patient care across all phases of treatment.
What Comes Next
The current focus is on snakebite patients at AES Tanawha, but the long-term goal is broader. If successful, this approach could be expanded across other emergency presentations and AEA hospitals, contributing to a stronger, more connected understanding of recovery in veterinary emergency and critical care.
At AEA, clinical improvement starts with listening—to our patients, to their owners, and to the outcomes that matter. This survey is one way we’re turning that insight into action.
