Vet Radar Blog A paperless Veterinary Clinic? It can be done!

What exactly does it mean?A paperless business is a work environment where the use of paper is removed or minimised by converting documents into digital form (digitization). As we head further into the 21st century, we face a world of technology advancing at what seems to be an exponential pace. So what are the benefits of evolving to a paperless system as a Veterinary Business?First impressions matterPaperless technology in a veterinary clinic gives the client a high rating first impression by providing a modern façade. Impressive front of house administration positively influences the client's opinion of veterinary care behind the scenes. The same way a veterinarian's surgical skills may be judged on how neatly the veterinary technician has clipped the patient's fur around the incision!Modernise patient carePatients will benefit from the improved processes around taking your clinic paperless. We can improve our accuracy of treatments and our timing in giving them. Providing safer and more efficient veterinary care.We can reassure our clients that our patients are receiving high quality veterinary care by using technology to transform our treatment processes. Multipurpose technology allows you to contact clients directly from the device you are using in clinic for patient care. Clients appreciate close contact while their furry companions are unwell in hospital, and you get to save costs on technology hardware.Master mobilityWe no longer must worry about tracking down the Veterinarian to confirm a treatment or update the owner. With the tap of a screen, we have endless information at our disposal. We can communicate easily and immediately. In order to maintain good workflows in a veterinary hospital, we need to be able to access patient care information, client, or billing details from anywhere.Adapt and overcomeTo expand and grow your business, you can choose a software that will progress and adapt along side it. Going paperless is an investment that pays back. If you are running a paperless business, your business is gaining:Security - cloud storage allows safety from catastrophic loss of irreplaceable paper files. Information is always there when you need it on any deviceAn advantage over competitors. In the last decade, paperless processes in veterinary clinics are becoming mainstream and paper-based records are getting outdated (Krone et al., 2020).Constant and reliable support from IT professionalsModern workflow solutions: happier staff and happier clientsCapturing charging accurately by being able to bill on the goAbility to work remotely - accessing and applying information outside of the clinicAll the while avoiding:Costs of paper-based office wear (printers, copiers, paper, ink, cabinets, bookshelves)Stagnancy by retaining out of date processesClutter and disorganisation in the officeBurnt out/stressed staffWhere to next?The overwhelming decision to take a veterinary business paperless should not be taken lightly. Invest time and thought into the idea before taking the plunge. Remember that paperless software is a facilitator for your standards and protocols, so have themsorted before implementing anything new. Ask all the right questions: when should you make the transition? What do you need to prepare? How can you make the transition seamless for your staff? With the right resources, be assured that it may be the best decision you ever make for your practice!ReferencesLauren M. Krone; Catherine M. Brown; Joann M. Lindenmayer, (2014). Survey of electronic veterinary medical record adoption and use by independent small animal veterinary medical practices in Massachusetts, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 245(3), 324-332.