Positive response for Safe Medicine Schema
Image: Nick Lloyd, chairman of the VetXML Consortium
Meeting to discuss proposed labelling system VetXML Consortium has discussed its Safe Medicine Schema during a meeting at the recent British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA).
The discussion involved practice management system (PMS) providers, veterinary medicine wholesalers and distributers, and practicing veterinary surgeons.
Safe Medicine Schema is a proposed labelling system that provides access to medicine data sheets and complies with the Veterinary Medicines Regulations (VMR) and cascade.
Once developed, the system would enable veterinary surgeons to submit a form via their PMS about a patient and particular medication, to receive instant access to data sheets and guidance from an information provider.
This would provide a simple information-sharing method when dispensing and prescribing veterinary medicines.
While the need for such a system has been recognised by VetXML Consortium, the proposal was widely supported by various attendees at the meeting.
Stuart McArthur, practice manager at Holly House Veterinary Hospital and creator of the advice website vetformulary.com, said it is challenging for vets to label medication consistently and thoroughly using current software during a 10-minute consultation.
He added that recommendations by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Professional Conduct Department and cascade add to the challenge.
A key focus of the meeting surrounded agreeing to a single list that uniquely identified pharmaceuticals used within the veterinary practice.
Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) were found to be a primary candidate in order to increase the speed of information provision, allow some automation and decrease the risk of human error.
Safe Medicines Schema aims to ensure veterinary medicines are used and prescribed accurately, in compliance with dispensing regulations.
VetXML Consortium is currently working with the BSAVA, National Office of Animal Health (NOAH), Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) and Veterinary Poisons and Information Service to further develop its Safe Medicines Schema.
To get involved in the discussion or find out more, contact the VetXML Consortium.
The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.
