Category: Animal Health

With AI-powered diagnosis and robotic surgery systems making their mark, it’s hard to deny that automation is becoming more and more prevalent. But, could veterinarians eventually be replaced by their robotic counterparts? Technology enthusiasts insist that the role of AI is not to replace, but to assist human professionals. Advanced technology can deliver actionable intelligence and useful insights. This will help veterinarians make informed decisions and solve complex problems.

It is believed that AI could revolutionize the way we work. By handling the more mundane and repetitive tasks, it allows humans to focus on higher-level tasks. The automation of certain processes and analysis of vast amounts of data can free up time. Hence, human professionals can engage more in creative and strategic thinking.

Let us look into the shifting capabilities of technology and determine which perspective holds most truth.

Technological Change is Undeniable

It is easy to view technology as antagonistic when the threat of redundancy seems to loom on the horizon. But to ignore the advancements in technology is to overlook their amplification of animal-care. Technology even relieves veterinarians of their monotonous and undesirable burdens. Advancements in technology, including electronic medical records, telemedicine, and remote monitoring, have made it easier for veterinarians to provide efficient and effective care to their patients. Let us look into how technology can be a God-send for veterinarians. 

Delivering High-quality Care

In veterinary care, technological and further digital transformation is becoming increasingly inevitable. Various forms of technology such as AI, robotic systems, and wearables have already been adopted in the industry. Wearables can track an animal’s health status and send data to veterinary clinics. Smart beds in hospitals have sensors that automatically monitor a patient’s health statistics. These are then transmitted to the nurse stations. Additionally, robotic carts equipped with sensors and Wi-Fi are utilized to deliver food, surgical equipment, and supplies to different areas of the veterinary hospital. Robotic systems can even assist with surgeries.

Furthermore, AI can aid in diagnosing diseases by analyzing medical images and clinical data. However, this doesn’t mean that veterinarians will be replaced by technology. Rather, they will work in collaboration with technology to provide superior service to animal patients. The implementation of technology should be thoughtfully considered. That is, the ongoing monitoring of the environment in which it is used must be a priority.  As veterinary specialists come to rely on technology in their profession, processes will become more efficient and streamlined. Yet it is still essential to have human professionals overseeing the use of technology to ensure quality of care.

Cost and Time-Saving

There is no doubt that the use of automation in veterinary care is on the rise, and this trend is set to continue. Veterinary practices are facing challenges in providing high-quality care while also managing costs. But instead of replacing skilled human professionals, which are in a short supply as it is, tech will allow organizations to optimize their utilization of resources. Automation and digital transference will augment the skills of veterinary teams by reducing repetitive tasks. Hence, technicians and technical aides can focus on more complex and valuable tasks.

Technology can be a powerful tool for animal care providers, allowing them to better manage patient care. One way this can be achieved is through the use of connected patient care devices. E.g., pill boxes that are equipped with Internet of Things (IoT) technology. These devices can detect when they have been opened. Thus, whether the patient has taken their medication as prescribed can be confirmed. If not, automated reminders can be sent to the patient via phone or text message. This encourages patients and pet parents to be mindful of treatment regimes. Such monitoring frees up veterinary staff to devote more time to frontline care.

Automating Redundant Tasks Will Improve Efficiency

The employees in the tech department of veterinary medical companies are essential for the company. They maintain the top-performance of their organization’s systems and applications. Without them, the company cannot ensure that their systems are running smoothly and efficiently. However, this job requires employees to spend the majority of their day sitting in front of a computer screen. Many of their tasks can be automated, while they oversee the process and fix bugs. Automating these tasks can save companies millions of dollars. Better yet, some of the most successful companies reinvest these savings into their employees. By investing in their employees, these companies can ensure that their veterinary professionals are well-trained, motivated, and productive. This in turn helps to ensure that their systems remain up and running and their clients receive the best care possible.

Veterinarians: Expendable or Essential?

So far we have established that technology and veterinary service are irrevocably intertwined. We cannot go back and erase what veterinarians are now dependent on. But going forward, are veterinarians going to play purely supplementary roles to AI/IoT-dominated software? Or will it be the other way around?

Veterinary Treatment requires In-depth understanding and intuition

Veterinarians have the ability to interpret complex animal behavior and body language. Animals cannot communicate in the same way that humans do. So, veterinarians must rely on their observations and knowledge of animal behavior to make diagnoses and recommendations for treatment. Additionally, while technology can provide detailed imaging and diagnostic information, it cannot make judgments or decisions about treatment plans based on factors such as the animal’s individual history or emotional wellbeing, which veterinarians take into account when making recommendations.

Diagnoses requires Physical Examinations

Physical examinations by veterinarians cannot be fully automated. Technology may play a role in assisting in certain diagnostic procedures or providing imaging and laboratory results. But the physical examination of an animal requires hands-on, personalized attention. The ethical decision-making capabilities of vets cannot be replicated or replaced by technology. Veterinarians must assess the animal’s physical and behavioral responses. In person assessments best ensure an accurate diagnosis and provide tailored treatment options. Therefore, physical examinations by veterinarians will continue to require manual examination skills.

Personalized Care

To successfully integrate new medical technologies, they must align with a patient-focused healthcare approach. Pet owners should feel empowered to take an active role in their animals’ care. Of course, technology can aid in achieving this. But the considerate and safe environment can only be created by human caregivers for clients and patients. Their role in establishing trust and providing emotional support cannot be replaced by technology.

Individualized care for animals is an important feature of veterinary service. The  unique needs and characteristics of each animal must be considered when providing medical care. Factors such as an animal’s age, breed, and medical history are vital when assessing their health and developing treatment plans. Veterinarians can use this information to tailor their approach to each animal’s specific needs. This, they ensure the best possible outcomes in terms of health and wellbeing. Additionally, individualized care fosters a closer relationship between veterinarians, animal caregivers, and the animals themselves. Results include better communication, trust, and compliance with treatment plans. It is through the collaboration of both technology and human expertise that we can create a patient-centered healthcare system.

The Complementary Conclusion

While advancements in technology have had an impact on the veterinary industry, such as improving diagnostic potential or increasing patient communication, they cannot replace the expertise and decision-making skills of trained veterinary professionals. Technology should be seen as a tool to enhance veterinary care, not as a replacement for it. Furthermore, veterinary professionals often provide more than just medical expertise. From client education to emotional support, their services cannot be replicated by technology. Therefore, while technology may change the way that veterinary professionals practice, it is unlikely that it will completely replace their role in the industry.

EMRs are quite popular in the human health sphere. Most people reading this articles will have made use of EMRs to manage their own health. But what are EMRs and why should they be applied to animal care as well? 

Medical records are essential for providing continuity of care in veterinary services. They provide a full record of all the treatments and services given to an animal or group of animals, making sure that care can be continued without interruption from one veterinarian to the next, or from one visit to another. Furthermore, these records serve as legal documents which demonstrate a veterinarian’s thought process, decisions, judgment calls, actions and interactions with those around them (clients, colleagues, other caregivers and service providers such as specialists and laboratories), all of which can have an effect on the outcome for the patient.

The number of clinics and hospitals using EMRs has skyrocketed over the past few years thanks to the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH Act). As of 2014, around 8 out of 10 office-based physicians were using them—a number that’s likely to be even higher now.

So why should you consider transitioning from a paper-based system to an electronic one?

EMRs Improve Consistency and Accuracy for all users

The use of handwritten medical records in veterinary practices may lead to decreased efficiency and compromised patient safety. Illegible handwriting, abbreviated entries, and missing information can result in lost time, billing errors, and mistakes in patient care. In contrast, electronic medical records (EMRs) can eliminate the challenges posed by illegible handwriting, which may present a significant liability for veterinary practices. EMRs allow for quick and convenient access to the most relevant patient information, ensuring that crucial information is readily available when needed.

The ideal veterinary software system features preselected templates, prompts, and intuitive workflows to facilitate accurate and comprehensive data entry. This ensures that all team members enter the appropriate information in the correct locations, making it easy to reference and follow up on patient care. The use of this system reduces the risk of missing vital patient information, disorganized records, or incomplete SOAP (subjective, objective, assessment, plan) notes.

Ease of Access and Data Sharing

The use of cloud-based software enables veterinary practitioners to access electronic medical records (EMRs) from a wide range of devices, including tablets and smartphones. This allows practitioners to access patient records instantly from remote locations, such as during farm or house calls, curbside consultations, or while working from home. In addition, the use of EMRs eliminates the need for scraps of paper that can easily be misplaced, as exam findings and recommendations can be entered directly into the pet’s SOAP notes.

Mobile access to veterinary software promotes better collaboration between practitioners and their teams. EMRs like Shepherd Veterinary Software facilitate the easy sharing of patient records with colleagues, consultants, and referral specialists. This capability streamlines administrative workflows and reduces reliance on traditional methods such as faxing.

EMRs Provide Clarity and Directness

Electronic medical records (EMRs) provide veterinarians and their teams with a comprehensive patient database that can be accessed quickly and easily with just one click. EMRs offer a scannable snapshot of the pet’s signalment, status, and essential information, including any relevant alerts or pet preferences, all available at the user’s fingertips. The risk of missing patient charts is eliminated, as the records are accessible to all team members.

The use of a simple keyword search feature enables practitioners to quickly retrieve any necessary information from the pet’s record. This saves time and allows for greater focus on the patient at hand. Our veterinary software also includes integrations with many reference laboratory partners, which allows for easy viewing of patient test results within each pet’s record. The use of EMRs eliminates the need to wait by the fax machine, sift through email inboxes, or log in to a separate database.

EMRs Alleviate Administrative Burden

With the implementation of electronic medical records, you can reduce the tedious and repetitive tasks that occupy your administrative team’s time. Tasks such as locating, preparing, and filing physical charts, as well as deciphering handwritten notes, can be eliminated. The front desk staff can easily retrieve, review, and share patient records with just a few clicks. The integration of additional EMR tools, such as automated client reminders and online pet owner portals, can also help reduce the volume of incoming and outgoing phone calls. This can free up your client services team to provide clients with more personalized and high-quality service in-person.

Continuous and Immediate Information Recording

Electronic medical record (EMR) portability and integrated services offer the convenience of recording exam findings quickly and easily, thereby minimizing the need for accumulating large chart piles. With EMRs, practitioners can input their findings in real-time, allowing for a continuous flow of information, instead of the more traditional approach of manual note-taking, which can lead to mistakes or omissions.

The EMRs provided by our Veterinary Software provide an array of convenient features to simplify the documentation process, such as the use of talk-to-text dictation apps or the ability to input data minutes after the pet’s visit. Additionally, shortcuts such as templates, auto-fill options, and prompts reduce duplication, thereby enabling practitioners to focus on the new information gathered during the examination.

Confidentiality and Data Protection  

Traditional paper-based medical records are vulnerable to being altered, damaged, copied, or stolen, which puts your patients and your business at risk. Even small accidents like a fire, flood, or a malfunctioning sprinkler system can destroy years of confidential patient information.

Cloud-based EMR systems offer a safer solution. They are protected by rigorous cybersecurity protocols and advanced data encryption, with regular monitoring to ensure the safety of patient, client, and business data from virtual threats. Additional security measures, like password protection, assigned permissions, and access restrictions, help prevent in-house tampering, data manipulation, and theft. Electronic records are also safe from natural disasters, which means you don’t have to worry about losing important patient data due to physical damage.

What to Take-Away from EMRs

If you are still using traditional paper-based records because you think electronic medical records are too complicated, consider how much time and money your current system is costing your practice. Our veterinary practice management system can improve your practice’s efficiency, accuracy, and productivity, allowing you to focus on delivering quality care to your patients and reducing stress for yourself and your team.

Contact us at sales@celeritasdigital.com to learn more about our services and portfolio.

Over the past few decades, mental health has gained significant recognition as an integral part of the healthcare industry. Various groups within the population have been found to suffer from high levels of mental distress or illness, especially veterinary professionals who, it has been discovered, are particularly affected. Many studies have shown that they experience higher rates of depressive thoughts, suicidal tendencies, and other psychological issues. A massive part of this problem has been identified as lack of work-life balance.

It’s encouraging to see more clinics and animal medical facilities taking steps to address and improve the situation. However, it’s crucial not to take small changes in awareness and social attitudes for granted. Prioritizing and normalizing a healthy mindset in the veterinary workplace should remain a top priority. Let us look at steps that both veterinarians and veterinary practice managers can take to reduce their burdens and alleviate mental tension.

Is this really an Issue?

A study by Merck Animal Health (MAH) found that only 50% of veterinarians with mental health inconsistencies were receiving any form of solid support[1]. Overall, the veterinary profession suicide rate was much worse than that in the dental and medical professions[2] and quadruple the general population[3] rates. Furthermore, younger workers in this field were found to be more susceptible to cognitive agitation. Their rates – 8.7% of those between 18 and 34 years and 9.1% of those between 35 to 44 years – were critically higher than that of those in the 65 and older age group (0.7%).

This is amplified by:

• high levels of burdensome student debt.
• Compassion fatigue due to the regular exposure to trauma, loss, and emotional or physical pain.
• Long work hours can lead to burnout and exhaustion for veterinary professionals.
• Veterinarians struggle with the grief and emotional impact of losing their animal patients, which can take a toll on their mental well-being.
• The “Emotional Paradox” refers to the challenge of balancing the high levels of empathy that vets require to do their job effectively with the emotional toll it takes on them.
• Stress levels in veterinary teams can be heightened due to the unique pressures of the profession.

How to Cultivate Work-Life Balance in Veterinary Professions:

It is vital that both veterinarians and practice managers understand that a lack of work-life balance can lead to burnout, a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion. Over prolonger periods, this can result in reduced productivity, poorer quality of care, and an increased risk of medical errors. The psychological ill-health in veterinary teams can very negatively affect client experience, relationship building, and the level of trust between the practice and the pet owner. So this is not simply a problem for veterinarians. It necessitates addressal.

So here are some Strategies that can be used by Employees and by their management to come to a mutually beneficial solution.

For the Employee:

Establish a flexible work schedule, with clear boundaries:

Inform your team leader about the timing within which you are willing to work. And then stick to those without exception. This can involve avoiding checking work emails or taking calls outside of work hours, and making a conscious effort to disconnect from work-related activities during personal time. Make sure to carry your weight so that criticism cannot be directed your way as to your contribution to the team.

A good option for achieving work-life balance is job sharing. You can approach another veterinarian in the practice who might be interested in sharing responsibilities with you. This can help both of you divide the workload, and you’ll have more time for personal pursuits. Additionally, it can be helpful to create a schedule that rotates weekend and holiday shifts, so no one feels overly burdened with taking time off.

Prioritize self-care:

Consider incorporating activities into your daily routine that help you relax and recharge, such as physical exercise, a study course, joining a social club, or volunteering for a cause that you are passionate about. These activities can serve as a form of self-care and help reduce stress levels. It’s essential to make these activities time-sensitive and non-negotiable, so they cannot be put off or ignored. By scheduling these commitments in advance and sticking to them, you can ensure that you have time for yourself and avoid getting caught up in work-related stressors.

Examine your Workflow:

A useful strategy for managing your time effectively at work is to track how you spend your time for a full week. This will help you identify which tasks are necessary and which ones are not, and whether there are any that could be delegated to someone else. It could also help you determine if there are any tasks that could be set aside and done together on a once-daily or once-weekly schedule, thereby saving time.

When tracking your time, it is important to be thorough and accurate. Record all of your activities throughout the day, including breaks and interruptions. You can use a notebook, a planner, or time-tracking software to help you keep track of your time. After you have tracked your time for a week, take a close look at your results. Identify any tasks that seem repetitive or that could be delegated to someone else.

For the Veterinary Manager:

Social Events:

You’d be surprised at how much an individual’s job satisfaction is linked to their colleagues’ attitudes, mindsets, the social atmosphere and the intra-team dynamic. Giving the team something positive and exciting to focus on can be a great boon to team spirit. Not to mention, competitions and activities build collaboration and camaraderie between members. When it is clear that their mental wellbeing is catered to, veterinary professionals will appreciate and support their veterinary manager and team lead. The good relations between veterinary teams will also be reflected in their behavior and response to clients, patients, and their performance level.

Have Break Times and Outdoor Exposure:

We know what you’re thinking: I can’t just let my entire staff outside at the same time! Yes, we know there are constant emergencies in the veterinary field. That’s why you need to have break shifts. What that means is that different teams or team members get to take breaks during specific time slots. Implementing this and being supportive of a change of pace and surroundings will give your nurse staff a vital cool-down they definitely need. It will improve performance and customer satisfaction too, so everyone wins!

Gift them Sleep-Monitoring Equipment:

Continuing on the same theme, we also know that mental health and sleep cycles are strongly correlated. Yet a lot of veterinarians, who need good amounts of sleep to deal with the hectic demands of their field, suffer from sleep deprivation.

There are many services for sleep improvement. You could have them download an app, use a website, or even buy them a device. Our advice is to gift them a sleep tracking device upon joining the company after completing an internship, training, or probation period. The best affordable sleep tracker is Withing’s Sleep Analyzer, which tracks sleep independently and is disturbance-free. If you prefer a less complex and more affordable choice, just add a sleep tracker to your company app, or have them use an app like Relax Melodies to get 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep.

What Should You Take Away?

Remember, it isn’t just the job of the behavioral specialist to show empathy towards the veterinarians. If your subordinates feel like their team lead does not have your support, then they will not take his or her advice seriously. Furthermore, the help you are providing should not feel obligatory. If employees feel that you are simply going through the motions, or hesitant to implement any policies that will genuinely benefit them, they will be reluctant to take advantage of the facilities you offer. So, if you want a healthy and socially functional group of veterinary professionals that is inducive to productivity, then make sure you have an attitude to match it.

References:

[1] Merck Animal Health Veterinary Wellbeing Study. Feb 2018.

[2] Halliwell REW, Hoskin BD. Reducing the suicide rate among veterinary surgeons: How the profession can help. Vet Rec. 2005; 157:397–398

[3] Bartram DJ, Baldwin DS. Veterinary surgeons and suicide: Influences, opportunities and research directions. Vet Rec. 2008; 162:36–40

The Internet of Things (IoT) has been leaving ripples in the sands of the modern technological landscape since the early 2010s. Since then, it has progressed at an astounding pace, from being able to connect multiple devices from a central point to being able to communicate, analyze data, and implement strategies independently. The impact this will have on the animal health industry is bound to be immense given that the largest responsibility of owning and caring for pet is keeping an eye on them – their movements, their health, and their activities. This is something already being addressed in part by pet care applications. But today we wish to discuss how far IoT will evolve this industry and its capabilities.  

The Capabilities of the Internet of Things

Data collection and analysis

IoT devices can collect vast amounts of data from a variety of sources, including sensors –
both external and ingestible – cameras, beacons, wearables, and other devices. IoT can integrate with other systems and integrate data from multiple sources.
This means that Petcare applications would be able to connect to other home devices to provide the most accurate and complete picture of the pet’s health and activities. Additionally, IoT systems may rely on external sources such as weather, traffic, and geographical data to provide context and enhance the accuracy of the collected data. This data can be analyzed using advanced algorithms to extract insights and identify patterns.

Machine learning and artificial intelligence

IoT devices can be integrated with machine learning and AI algorithms to enable more sophisticated analysis and decision-making. In a home-setting, it may be used to detect potential dangers to the creature like exposed sharp objects or tight corners a small animal could get trapped in. It can further analyze animal behavioral data over time to anticipate anomalies, deviant behaviors, and sense mood changes. These can often be an indicator for distress or ill-health. For example, the IoT system might note the animals’ allergic regular response and use the data to deduce from whence it originates. It can then inform the owner of this trigger and work to clear the house of airborne allergens, such as pollen, dust mites and mold.

Real-time monitoring

IoT devices can monitor physical environments, such as homes, petcare facilities, or buildings. Done in real-time, it can provide up-to-the-minute information about conditions such as temperature, humidity, noise volume, and air quality. Integrated with wearables or smart collars, it could use data about the animal from its eating habits, sleep patterns, movements, behaviors such as licking and scratching, or its vital signs. Hence, it provides the virtual presence of pet owners by acquiring information of pets’ eating time schedule, room temperature sensing and camera service monitoring through a web cam. The value of this cannot be emphasized enough for pet owners who are working, traveling, staying abroad for study or work. Transporting an animal across long-distances can be very stressful for a doting owner, as the temperature and enclosed environment that pets are made to endure can often be less-than-ideal. This system could ensure the constant wellbeing of the pet.

Automation

IoT devices can be used to automate a wide range of tasks at home, from controlling lights, thermostats, appliances, and security systems. A Smart IoT system can be taught the feeding and treatment schedule for the animal, and then control the food and water dispenser, the smart pet door, and provide litter box cleaning. Using prevention and encouragement feedback, the IoT system might even be able to manage the dog’s activity in the absence of the owner or other guardian.

Disability should not be treated as a death-sentence for activity-dependent animals. There are many assistive devices that pet owners can opt for to give their injured pet a happy and fulfilling life, as well as ease their burden of care. Assistive domotics is a form of home automation that is designed to cater to specific needs such as elderly or disabled animals, providing features such as automatic door opening, fall detection, and medication reminders for the pet parents. And with the help of the Internet of Things, disabled animals can climb stairs, get into and out of cars and continue on daily walks with minimal resistance. 

Predictive analytics

By analyzing large amounts of data collected from animal behavior, sensor readings, and various other IoT devices, advanced analytics algorithms can be used to predict future trends and outcomes. This can be used to identify serious health conditions in their early stages. For example, predictive analytics can be used to identify patterns in an animal’s behavior that indicate potential health problems or distress, allowing caregivers to intervene early and provide necessary care. Additionally, predictive analytics could be used to monitor the environmental conditions to ensure that they meet the animal’s specific needs. This can include adjusting the temperature or humidity levels to avoid heat stroke, dehydration or other health issues.

Conclusion

Smart PetCare will fully rearrange the industry, by collecting continuous and highly-precise data, using this to actively alter the pet’s environment. The IoT infrastructure will fully automate the process and ensure the maximum health, safety, and comfort of any animal according to its needs and requirements. 

References

“The Benefits of Using Wearable Technology for Pets”: This article discusses the advantages of using wearable devices for pets, such as GPS trackers and activity monitors, which can be integrated with IoT petcare applications. Link: https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/pets-and-wearable-tech/

“5 Ways Technology is Changing the Petcare Industry”: This article highlights the different ways technology is transforming the petcare industry, including the use of IoT applications. Link: https://www.forbes.com/sites/ilkerkoksal/2019/08/14/how-technology-is-changing-the-pet-care-industry/?sh=52e6757435ea

“How to Choose the Right Food for Your Pet”: This article provides tips on selecting the best type of pet food, which can also be monitored and tracked using IoT petcare applications. Link: https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2019/12/pet-food-decisions-how-do-you-pick-your-pets-food/

“Understanding Pet Health Insurance”: This article explains the importance of pet health insurance and how it can work in conjunction with IoT petcare applications. Link: https://www.valuepenguin.com/pet-insurance/what-is-pet-insurance#:~:text=With%20a%20pet%20health%20insurance,a%20percentage%20of%20the%20bill..

“Top 10 Petcare Blogs to Follow”: This article lists some of the best blogs to follow for the latest news and trends in the petcare industry, including information on IoT petcare applications. Link: https://blog.feedspot.com/pet_blogs/