Veterinary Office Management Project

Veterinary Computer Software 

There are various activities taking place in veterinary offices. These include but not limited to planning, storing client’s files, and maintaining inventory. Initially, these activities used to be performed manually. Individuals used to enter the necessary information in appropriate books to facilitate proper functioning of the office. However, technological advancement has led to change in practice whereby computers are substituting manual work in veterinary offices. Scientists have developed different veterinary management software to ensure that veterinary activities are conducted smoothly in offices. Such advancements, notably, require the personnel in this profession to be knowledgeable in computers and the software involved to effect specific functions. The contents of this paper will provide such insight by evaluating three veterinary management software (VMS) namely AVImark, ezyVet and Vet Office Suite. 

AVImark 

AVImark is a VMS created by Henry Schein Company. Today, AVImark is the widely used VMS software. About 10,000 clients from various part of the world use this software. AVImark has gained massive popularity because it is easy to use and can be installed quickly. Also, Henry Schein is a company that understands the needs of its customers. It creates products that are customer specific. For instance, the AVImark software is designed such that it possesses advanced features that eliminate the need for paperwork (Avimark.net, 2017). AVImark provides services like virtual data backup, web hosting, credit card processing, and marketing communication among others. All these features help in saving time and money when executing veterinary functions. 

Furthermore, the software contains other appealing features like scheduling, patient management, and billing. The firm also offers technical support to the clients to help them operate smoothly. Notably, AVImark grows users’ experience and practice at no extra seat licenses. The company also integrates leading suppliers so that their customers can have a variety of vendors to work with. It should be noted that the software uses a cloud-hybrid approach (Avimark.net, 2017). In that regards, it is secure for the client to store information in veterinary practice. Besides, the cloud is rendered convenient and easy to use since the stored data can easily be retrieved. 

ezyVe t 

The ezyVet software was initiated by EZYVET UK in 2006 with the aim of providing veterinary professionals with an affordable VMS (Ezyvet.com, 2017). ezyVet is regarded as an all-in-one VMS since it addresses many problems that the field used to face. It has customizable features that satisfy the demands of veterinary practices irrespective of their magnitude and compositions. Also, the software has an excellent cloud system that allows the user to log in securely using any internet enabled device. Apart from the features above, ezyVet is easy to use for veterinary practices throughout the world. Other unique features of the system include automated billing, administrative tasks, statements, and invoices. 

According to Ezyvet.com (2017), Open Source technology was used to develop ezyVet. The use of this technology implies that the source code that was used to create the program allows the public to view, edit and redistribute the contents. Moreover, the software does not charge the customer extra license costs when using the platform. Consequentially, the product is affordable for the user. The company also ensures that the customers can use a newly developed version of the software without necessarily incurring extra costs. Notably, ezyVet uses a variety of technologies that are regularly being improved. That means that the system is subject to regular updates. Apparently, this is the primary drawback of the software. Nevertheless, the updates are automated thereby eliminating the need for the customer to send a request for updates whenever there is one. About security, the software uses a bank level of safety, and it operates on global platform hosting that is offered by Amazon, Inc in their AWS cloud. However, the system does not include a backup in its features, and that might lead to complete data loss. 

VetOfficeSuite 

VetOfficeSuite is online-based veterinary management software. Erick Bregman initiated VetOfficeSuite in 2010. Bergman is the founder of the Bregman Veterinary Group, a firm that is associated with veterinary practices. VetOfficeSuite provides veterinarians with everything they require to operate efficiently. These include customizing invoices, inventory control, appointment scheduling, managing patients’ data, creating clients profiles, and storing diagnostic images. Typically, VetOfficeSuite is a paperless web-based platform that provides veterinarians an opportunity to e-mail documents like certificates and invoices without necessarily printing and sending them via snail mailing services. In that regards, this system saves the users time and money. 

VetOfficeSuite is a purely cloud-based software. As such, users are not obliged to upload anything. Besides, the platform eliminates the need for training or rather start-up fees. The primary objective of the platform is to create a user-friendly veterinarian management platform on the market. As such, VetOfficeSuite value customers’ feedback to ascertain whether they have accomplished their goals. Of essence, the platform prioritizes the security of veterinarians’ data. In order to achieve that purpose, VetOfficeSuite ensures that the stored data is encrypted and backed up. The essence of this process is to protect the clients from losing their valuable records. Additionally, the company has collaborated with Rackspace, to make sure that high levels of data security are achieved (Vetofficesuite.com, 2016). Rackspace is one of the best-managed cloud companies in the world. Thus, the partnership would guarantee not only information confidentiality but also convenience. 

Interpersonal Communication 

Veterinarians need to possess excellent interpersonal communication skills (ICSs) to be successful in their endeavors. Notably, veterinary technicians are highly dependent on their ICSs to communicate successfully with team members and clients (Mills et al., 2009) . They may also schedule appointments, handle both outgoing and incoming as well as greet customers. All these functions require veterinarians to be good communicators and listeners. Particular elements can render an individual a good communicator and listener. These include the ability to listen, observe, paraphrase, maintain eye contact, and ability to show respect. In that regards, this article will discuss how these factors influence the communication process. 

Elements of a Good Listener 

Good listeners need to understand the body language of the speaker. Typically, the listening process involves both the ear and the eyes. Good listeners ought to hear what is being said and relate the message being conveyed with the expressions and gestures or rather a body language of the presenter (Carolyn, 2016) . Traditionally, good listeners understand not when they cannot talk. Such understanding in most cases is guided by the gestures a client is showing. A listener in this regards, need to allow their customers ample time to think and express themselves without distractions. However, when the client is fidgeting the silence should be ceased, and a statement that can initiate further conversation should be initiated. 

Veterinary technicians need to show exemplary paraphrasing abilities so that they can be deemed, good listeners. Paraphrasing in this regards refers to the capacity of an individual to use different words to express a particular idea. Actually, veterinary technicians can enhance their listening skills using this approach (Carolyn, 2016) . Reports indicate that clients would always feel that they are being heard when a veterinarian paraphrases their statements. Of essence, when paraphrasing, care should be taken not to deviate from the original message. 

Qualities of a Good Communicator 

A good communicator needs to observe for nonverbal cues. Researchers have indicated that most communicators mostly focus on verbal cues and neglect the nonverbal behavior. Veterinary technicians, in this regards, are required to check for habits such as hair twisting, nervousness, nail biting, boredom or swaying among others (Anderson, 2017). Nonverbal cues such as folding arms around the chest would imply that a client is trying to protect himself from something. 

Good communicators need to shun discriminatory acts. Veterinary technicians need to show respect to customers (Hare, 2003) . They can do so by respecting the culture and races of their clients and fellow workers. Situations may force a veterinary worker to communicate with a client who does not understand his or her language and culture. In such scenarios, a veterinary technician would e have to demonstrate empathy and respect for the patient. The technician may be required to communicate in a non-conventional way such as through drawings, sign language or get someone who understands the client’s language. 

Body language also influences communication. A veterinary technician may need to understand clients’ nonverbal messages (Anderson, 2017). However, a veterinarian needs to know that his or her nonverbal behaviors are also communicating. Typically, the facial expressions, body gestures, and eye contact of veterinarians speak volume about them. Therefore, they send a positive message by grooming attractively, practicing good hygiene, dressing appropriately, and showing appropriate emotions such as smile and empathy when necessary. Lastly, eye contact is a non-verbal cue that can impact communication positively. For example, a sense of honesty and openness is created when a veterinarian maintains an eye contact with the clients when talking. Maintaining eye contact coupled with positive body gestures such as handshakes helps in creating close interactions between the veterinary technician and the clients (Anderson, 2017). 

In conclusion, veterinary technicians need to demonstrate strong intrapersonal skills for them to be successful. To achieve that, they need to have excellent communication and listening skills. That would require them to paraphrase information, respect clients, and communicate positively with their bodies. 

References  

Anderson, L. (2017). Veterinarians-The Importance of Body Language. Veterinary Career Services . Retrieved on 8 th July 2017 from https://www.veterinarycareerservices.com/veterinarians-importance-body-language/. 

Avimark.net. (2017). AVImark . Retrieved on 8 th July 2017 from https://avimark.net/. 

Carolyn, C. S. (2016). Why listening is an important skill: How taking the time to listen to Your veterinary clients and your staff can lead to better understanding and communication. Veterinary practice news . Retrieved on 8 th July 2017 from http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/why-listening-is-an-important-skill/. 

Ezyvet.com. (2017). ezyVet . Retrieved on 8 th July 2017 from http://www.ezyvet.com/. 

Hare, D. (2003). Good communication skills key to success. The Canadian Veterinary Journal , 44 (8), 621–622. 7. 

Mills, J. N., Baguley, J., Coleman, G., & Meehan, M. (2009). Enhancing communication and life skills in veterinary students: Curriculum development and assessment of methods (PPT-340). Retrieved from http://www.tlc.murdoch.edu.au/project/ecals/docs/ECALS_finalreport.pdf. 

Verofficesuite.com. (2016). VetOfficeSuite . Retrieved on 8 th July 2017 from https://home.vetofficesuite.com/.