The reality is that the life of a veterinarian is quite hectic. Due to overtime, long night shifts, and emergency calls, almost one-third of veterinarians work more than 50 hours each week. Not only that, but it may be quite stressful, with several diversions. So, how can they stay productive outside of the chores they manage through their PMS (Practice Management System)?
Implementing some of the time-saving veterinarian strategies listed below will help you become more productive. They can also aid in the reduction of job stress. We can give better care to our patients if we are less stressed.
1. Stay Organised
Make time for you or your team to tie up any loose ends that might tangle fast during the day. This organisation tactic includes paperwork, call backs, product ordering, and other administrative tasks. Avoid squeezing things into lunch breaks or other scheduled breaks; instead, make sure they happen when they’re supposed to. Clients will welcome a faster response time for calls and fewer billing errors than if you charted in a hurry.
As previously stated, Veterinary care is a hectic job, so planning every bit of interactions and possible obstacles would help so much for you and your team. If you do not have a schedule, you are more likely to end the day realising that you didn’t make much progress on the tasks you should have been doing.
When it comes to saving time, being organised is crucial. However, effective organisational practice does not come easy to everyone. This tactic is where knowing how to use tools effectively comes into play.
Checklists are one of these tools that may help you get more organised and save time; you can use them to keep track of recurring chores. Consider a morning opening checklist for receptionists, with items like turning on computers, sending appointment reminders, and highlighting critical emails on it. This list will guarantee that everything is covered.
Another great tool to use is Amazing Marvin. Marvin is a personal productivity tool that assists you in feeling more organised, in charge of your life, and getting things done. Marvin uses behavioural psychology concepts to help you regain control, complete your checklists, and become more productive as a veterinarian.
2. Categorise Your Tasks
Do the most difficult work first to make everything else seem simpler. This solution will pay off right away because the rest of your chores will seem trivial, in contrast. The next step is to start with the easiest assignment to gain momentum. The second section will assist you in easing into the job process and reducing the likelihood of procrastination.
3. Type, Type, Type
There is no free time when it comes to veterinary care. Every second of your shift must be allotted to your patients. When all of these pile up to one another, it can be very difficult to juggle 5 cases at once, and mentally taking notes of the histories and data could be overwhelming. You’ll wind up with many undone jobs if you attempt to recall everything you need to accomplish. That is why you should type whenever and wherever you can. Take the safe route for better productivity. Keeping a pen and pad at all times could also help and work wonders in any profession.
We found one way to do that much easier through Talkatoo, a transcription platform for veterinarians. Talkatoo has many features, and the main one is its speech-to-text capability. All practice management software is compatible with Talkatoo dictation software, which improves record-keeping speed and accuracy. You will be able to take notes on charts faster than typing or writing, allowing you to spend more time with your patients.
4. Get Rid of Any Distractions
If you are attempting to focus, close your office door or post a message stating that you are busy and respond to any other requests later. Proper communication with your co-workers could help significantly. Turn off your email notifications and stay away from social media or any other site unrelated to your current schedule. To avoid being distracted by a text or phone call, set your phone to “do not disturb.” Eliminating distractions can help you do a large amount of work in a short amount of time. Get rid of whatever it is that frequently distracts you when attempting to work.
You cannot take care of your fur patient’s needs until you take care of your own, and you will never be as effective if you work while tired. Make it a point to arrive at work each day completely healed from the previous day’s problems and ready to take on the new challenges that await you. Self-care activities should get scheduled in the same way as any other necessary meeting. This effort will keep you from becoming overwhelmed by work and will allow you to keep performing at your peak.
5. Make an Effort to Communicate
Nothing can slow down development like repeating instructions or plans to each person separately. Having team meetings, message boards, or communication applications to quickly and efficiently establish strategies with your team members can save you a lot of time.
Client communication is also a crucial veterinarian time-saving. Information is key, both for Veterinarians and your clients. If you inform your clients about procedures, diseases, and preventatives, there will be fewer phone calls, unneeded rechecks, and emergency appointments.
Ascertain that your whole staff sends the same message to your clientele. Veterinarians may accomplish this by drafting instructions for operation discharge, prescriptions, and immunisations and having your staff follow these recommendations to ensure that customers receive consistent instructions.
In summation, the world needs more people who care about animals the way Veterinarians do. Whether you’re a veterinarian, intern, resident, veterinary student, or veterinary technician, hopefully, this brief list will assist you in being more efficient as a veterinary professional. Across the practice, you’ll see greater productivity and contentment. Remember that the more efficient you are, the better you will look after others.
Veterinary IT
Veterinary IT is the United Kingdom’s first IT support company entirely dedicated to veterinary practices. Their services revolve around the technological systems that vets should have, network security, how to choose software, and some less technical company development and industry news.
Ultimately, many different apps provide opportunities for the veterinary industry to consider the care and conviction owners hold toward their pets. Using these apps to communicate with clients helps you engage with them completely differently and creates a bond of trust and authority that will serve your business well.
