Handwritten record keeping? Manual radiograph processing? Intravenous fluid rate calculating? No problem—veterinary team members
have been doing their jobs without the help of machines and technology for a long time. However, the advancements and availability
of medical equipment have helped make our jobs easier and more efficient.
Here's a look at some of the technology that makes your job easier, more efficient, and more fun—as well as advice on what
to say to help your practice owners see the value in this equipment and influence their buying decisions:
Practice management and record-keeping software
Why you want it: A large part of a technician's job is to record the patient's history and treatment. Often, veterinary team members are also
responsible for keeping track of the price of treatment. When you're completing these tasks by hand, this can take longer
and mistakes may happen.
What to say: "Dr. Cares, I believe new software will help our practice keep accurate medical records, track inventory, and assign costs.
"It's good for our patients, because we can program treatment plans on the computer and record their completion. This ensures
each patient is provided with walks or litter box maintenance, feedings, and medications at appropriate times throughout the
day. It also decreases the chance that a medication is given at the wrong time, given multiple times, or not given at all.
"It's good for team members, because with a treatment plan in place, we can focus on the general nursing care we provide to
patients. And it's good for the practice because it will help us work more efficiently. I believe it will take less time to
record treatments and costs and reduce the chances of missed charges."
Diagnostic testing machines
Why you want them: If you're a technician, your veterinarians may rely on you to assist in performing diagnostic tests so they can successfully
treat patients.
What to say: "A hematology analyzer may make a great addition to our practice, Dr. Cares. Did you know this tool could help us run blood
work in less than half the time it would take a technician to do it by hand? With this extra time, we could focus on (insert a task your practice wants to pursue). Also, with proper maintenance, these machines reduce the chance of errors."
Digital imaging equipment
Talking tip
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Why you want it: Digital radiography and ultrasonography machines have made possible diagnostics that in the past were considered a luxury
in most hospitals. This equipment has helped technicians carry out diagnostic tests with greater speed and clearer results.
What to say: "Dr. Cares, I believe our patients would benefit from the speedy results digital radiography and ultrasonography machines
provide. This would help us offer faster treatment for stable patients as well as critical ones when even a few extra minutes
can make a difference in their prognosis. Could I research some products and cost and create a plan about how the practice
might be able to afford this equipment?"
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