How patient workflow software can reduce veterinary burnout and fatigue
Veterinary practices are fast-paced environments, with teams required to keep an eye on countless moving parts in order to ensure the practice continues to run smoothly. Many practices report that their teams are also working long hours and in an array of highly pressurised situations, which can have a knock-on impact on practice morale.
Though burnout is a complex issue to tackle within veterinary practice, there are some simple adjustments that can be implemented, which could result in significant changes for veterinary teams, patients and clients’ experience. This is where a good patient care software solution can really help to make a difference.
The effects of pressurised working environments are clear
This environment can take a toll on staff, with veterinary burnout and fatigue reaching record highs. In the United States, for example, 85% of professionals attending the American Veterinary Medical Association convention stated that burnout and stress were the top issues affecting wellness across the community.
In the UK, the increase in pet ownership during the pandemic has also been compounding stress and burnout. Research conducted by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons highlights that 80% of vets have seen an increase in their workload since before the pandemic, with more than 60% stating that they have experienced a level of conflict between their professional role and their overall wellbeing.
The key to reducing veterinary burnout
Effectively managing the variety of stressors veterinary teams are facing on a daily basis requires some robust support systems to maintain the balance between prioritising the wellbeing of veterinary staff and consistently delivering the high-quality care and support that pet owners deserve.
Finding the ideal balance isn't always easy, but this process can be supported with the introduction of advanced patient workflow software, as it allows:
Optimisation of clinical record keeping via electronic records
Easy, immediate access to digital treatment sheets, all in one place
Accurate and timely patient treatments using in-built drug calculators and reminders
Reducing laborious admin work, eliminating the need for handwritten notes or scanning tons of paperwork
Allows team members to see what is happening to every patient at a glance, enabling effective and efficient communication with clients.
Automation capabilities
This type of technology solution has a variety of benefits, including handling the numerous repetitive tasks that frontline staff need to deal with every day, such as:
Filling out treatment sheets
Scheduling in all the procedures that are planned for a given day
Making sure patients’ and their tasks are tracked throughout the day, while keeping clinical records updated
More efficient management of daily tasks can free up a team's time to focus on other aspects of their role, including spending more time with patients, benefitting both their own sense of job satisfaction and ensuring the very best care for pets.
Effective communication
Patient workflow software can also streamline channels of communication between members of the veterinary team, which is particularly important for busy practices with time-poor teams. Everyone will feel as though they are firmly in the loop and can plan appointments and other schedules with confidence. Handovers between shifts are also simplified, with every piece of important information clearly recorded in an easily accessible central hub.
Easy workload distribution
The right technology solution can also ensure that the workload of veterinary practices is evenly distributed, so no one person feels as though all the pressure is on their shoulders, helping to keep teams happy and harmonious.
Plexi has been designed by veterinary professionals for veterinary professionals, providing intuitive tools to deliver excellent care and help minimise burnout.
If you are interested in seeing the benefits of Plexi’s digital workflow software for your practice, get in touch with one our friendly team to book your personal demo session.
