5 Hot Takes from the 2023 AVMA Convention
Just a week after the unforgettable weekend at the American Veterinary Medical Association convention, we still find ourselves fuelled by the energy and insights it offers. Our interactions with the best minds in the industry revealed an enlightening vision of a seamless Practice Management System (PIMS), one that can truly transform the lives of veterinary professionals. The learnings gleaned are not just valuable takeaways; they represent stepping stones towards a future where technology fosters a healthier work-life balance for those in the veterinary profession.
1️⃣ Independence – The New Age Mantra for an Effective PIMS:
The conference reiterated the importance of maintaining an independent PIMS. But what does this independence mean, and why is it so important? In this context, an independent PIMS is a system that remains loyal only to the clinic it serves, functioning independently from potential external influences or vested interests. It implies a level of commitment and trust that the PIMS would act purely in the interest of the clinic, ensuring optimal client satisfaction and operational efficiency. This unwavering independence allows veterinarians to centre their focus solely on patient care, thereby providing a more balanced work-life equation.
2️⃣ The Indispensable Role of Communication:
Our discussions and interactions at the conference highlighted the critical role of effective communication between clinics and clients. In a service-oriented industry, effective communication can make or break client relationships. However, communicating efficiently without imposing a significant resource burden on the clinic can be challenging. This is where tech-forward solutions, including pet parent apps, automated reminders, online booking, and chat systems, come into play. By reducing the time spent on administrative tasks, such features not only facilitate smoother and more personalized client experiences but also free up the veterinary professionals’ schedule for personal time, contributing to better work-life balance.
3️⃣ Embracing the Data Revolution:
The modern veterinary clinic is no longer just a place for pet care – it’s a data-driven hub. Real-time reporting and SKU-level data in PIMS empower clinics to make strategic decisions based on reliable, real-time information. This data can unlock a world of possibilities, allowing clinics to anticipate challenges, spot trends, and optimize services. It can lead to improved efficiency and effectiveness, taking much of the guesswork out of operations. This efficient approach to decision-making helps alleviate workload pressures, making more room for quality patient care and personal time and fostering a healthier work-life dynamic.
4️⃣ Simplifying Operations with Time-Saving Templates and Auto-Saved Records:
At the conference, many veterinary professionals spoke about the enormous benefits of having templates and auto-saved records within their PIMS. Such features, while seemingly simple, can dramatically streamline daily operations, making workflows more efficient and less prone to error. This means less time spent on administrative tasks and more time available for what matters most – delivering excellent patient care and ensuring a balanced professional and personal life.
5️⃣ AI – The Game-Changer in Veterinary Care:
The capabilities of Artificial Intelligence are reshaping the landscape of veterinary care, from automating initial patient interactions to assisting in diagnoses, recommending tests, and formulating treatment plans. AI can even simplify complex medical terminologies for clients, making client education more effective. By reducing administrative tasks and enhancing efficiency, AI’s integration into PIMS has the potential to improve the work-life balance for veterinary professionals significantly.
The takeaways from the AVMA conference have reinforced our understanding of what an ideal PIMS should look like:
✅ Independent
✅ Effective in communication
✅ Packed with real-time reporting and data insights
✅ Equipped with time-saving features like templates and auto-save
✅ Integrated with AI
At Digitail, we’re not just observers of these changes; we’re active participants. Our commitment to providing a PIMS that embraces these principles is stronger than ever. We believe that by fostering efficient workflows and superior patient care, we can pave the way for a healthier work-life balance for veterinary professionals.
Join us on this transformative journey as we take one more step toward a future where veterinary practice management is not just about efficiency but also about enhancing the well-being of those who care for our pets.