{"id":23883,"date":"2023-06-01T00:00:42","date_gmt":"2023-06-01T00:00:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/todaysveterinarybusiness.com\/?p=23883"},"modified":"2023-05-24T23:34:02","modified_gmt":"2023-05-24T23:34:02","slug":"innovation-station-software-0623","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarybusiness.com\/innovation-station-software-0623\/","title":{"rendered":"The Heart of Your Hospital"},"content":{"rendered":"

The digital world is ever-changing. Years ago, automated client reminders were a huge thing. A task that could take a staff member days to complete was reduced to a few buttons. Then, the responsibility for reminders moved from the veterinary practice to a third party. As software evolved, reminders sometimes came back in-house.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s strange to think back to the days of walking into a clinic and seeing walls of files and paper everywhere. It seems like yesterday that business computerization choices were few. Today, however, the options feel endless and the possibilities exciting. Unfortunately, however, choosing a practice information management system has gotten more complicated.<\/p>\n

Bright and Shiny Objects<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Emerging technologies enter the veterinary community all the time. What role will they play in the practice of tomorrow? From cloud products that adapt and morph as needed to artificial intelligence helping with operational efficiency, many choices are to be had. How does a practice owner decide which new technology to purchase? Time is of utmost importance in a veterinary clinic. Efficiency saves time. Can implementing something new harm or improve the efficiency of the practice or staff? The only way to know is to do a deep dive into the needs of the business.<\/p>\n

With new technology comes new providers, some familiar and some from another business sector. Does that mean the newcomers are great at what they do or well-positioned? Do they understand the needs of today\u2019s veterinary practice? Partners are essential.<\/p>\n

Walking the floor at veterinary conferences, you hear the pitches. \u201cThis product will revolutionize that part of your practice!\u201d However, will it be at the expense of another part of the practice? All too often in our businesses and personal lives, we jump at something that seems fantastic in the beginning. Think about TV commercials. The products advertised promise to solve myriad issues. But then one is delivered and you realize it does only one thing really well, or maybe it\u2019s not all it was cracked up to be.<\/p>\n

Daily Life<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Watching the tech side of veterinary life, I always see new and exciting products. For example, take mobile apps. Each one, like other software products, does certain things best. But do they do what you need to do? Some apps are more client-focused, and some might be add-ons that help with daily functions. For example, a client is calling, but can you quickly open a computer window to locate the patient record? What about callbacks and follow-ups? How does your team handle them today, and what could be improved? Would a client like a text or verbal message? Does all this work take a lot of in-house resources? Could a new product help with the tasks?<\/p>\n

Artificial intelligence is coming<\/a> to more areas of the veterinary community. You\u2019d think AI would eliminate a lot of the guesswork and people work, but like any other computer program, AI must be told what to do. How much control would you have over it as a business owner?<\/p>\n

Health care, in general, is moving forward with more AI. From auto-generated callbacks to picking up X-ray abnormalities<\/a> that a human may miss, the possibilities are endless. But what is the value to your practice? Research to make sure you select the right vetted partners. After all, you\u2019ve seen good artificial sweeteners and bad ones.<\/p>\n

The possibilities for technology and how it will affect the businesses and employees of the future are many. One of the most basic technologies in a veterinary hospital today is practice information management software. It\u2019s the hub of the clinic and has been for many years. How is yours functioning? Are there missing parts, lost reports, and lots of cut and paste? Implementing a new timesaving feature can cost extra time if the product doesn\u2019t communicate well with everything else.<\/p>\n

Given 25 to 30 base PIMS products on the market \u2014 each with its high and low points \u2014 what does the end result look like for you? Some veterinary practices buy a new system based on new needs without understanding that it won\u2019t satisfy an older requirement.<\/p>\n

Homework is always involved when you implement new technology. Don\u2019t limit your questions when speaking with a manufacturer or distributor. The unasked questions are the ones that lead to issues down the road.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s Running?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Since we\u2019re talking about the basics, let\u2019s begin by taking inventory of what\u2019s in your practice today. You can\u2019t research a new product until you fully understand everything you already have. Plugging in or downloading something new could upset a lot of something olds. List all the products functioning in your hospital today. If possible, list the age of any hardware equipment. Also consider:<\/p>\n