ICT and My Work: A typical day in my life as a Veterinarian

“Technology can improve the clinic practice’s efficiency and in some cases, even the quality of veterinary medicine and surgery. And without question, it’ll improve the client’s perception of value.” (Dr Mark Opperman 2013)

Technology in the workplace has indeed changed the way we communicate. It is much easier now to get in touch with our clients - to schedule appointments, to monitor a patient's progress, to update a client regarding their confined pet, to relay information or laboratory/medical results,  or to call them up to get their consent to do necessary interventions in cases of emergency.

It's ten in the morning, with a hot cup of coffee in my hand, I hurriedly made my way to the information desk to answer the telephone that have been persistently ringing. A client was calling to confirm his appointment at 10.30am, and to verify if "Bonnie's" attending vet has already arrived. I assured the client that yes, his slot is reserved and that the vet is already in.

11am, I picked up the phone to call Mrs. M, we kept her pet "Astro" overnight at the clinic for observation. Astro has been feeling poorly the past two days and was vomiting intermittently. When Mrs. M answered the phone, I gave her an update on Astro's status - the dog is feeling much better and has not vomited since last night. Also, the dog showed interest in his food and had consumed all the food given to him this morning. If things keep up that way, it might be possible to discharge Astro later in the afternoon. Mrs. M thanked me and happily agreed to come by later this day to check on her pet.

12 noon, just before we go on our lunch break, we hurriedly called and texted our clients to remind them of their pets' rabies/5in1/kennel cough vaccination, deworming, treatment and grooming schedules and follow-up consultations for the next day. 

Though it is not actually part of our job to remind our clients about their pet's schedules (because, of course, it's part of being a responsible owner to be aware of your pet's vaccination schedules), we don't really mind doing it because many appreciate the effort we put in to call or text them when Pinto's rabies vaccine or Panda's deworming schedule is due tomorrow. Taking time to remind our clients helps them to be aware and mindful of their pets' health status. Also, putting extra time and effort in fixing appointments increases the clinic sales and client turn-over. More clients coming in through the door means we are also busy!

At 2 pm, a referral from another clinic (from the next town) came in, after reading the referral note, I quickly contacted the attending vet to request additional information.  After a short chit-chat, the attending vet simply sent me the needed documents via fax. He also e-mailed me the patient's medical files and also the laboratory results that would aid me in the diagnosis and treatment. 

Communication and sharing of information between vets is now relatively easier. The internet provides many ways and medium on how to share and upload information, new techniques and such, thus allowing anyone to reach a wider audience. With the available information around, we easily learn about rare cases and how to approach delicate cases, how to perform special surgeries. With the all the many communication facets available, it is relatively easy to contact some one, ie. a specialist, from across the globe to ask for a secondary opinion.

  At four in the afternoon, a referral came from a nearby branch of the clinic for laboratory procedures: a complete blood count, x-ray and an ultrasound (the main branch has in-house blood exam machine, x-ray and ultrasound). Since the clinic now has a centralized client data-base, I can just easily access the files through the computer to review the patient's file, even if the owner is not a client of the main branch. After performing the requested laboratory procedures and relaying the results to the attending vet, I sent the animal back to the other branch with all the results. I also encoded all the results and readings on the animal's medical profile in the data-base for record purposes. For future references, we could just easily retrieve the necessary information on the data-base.

 Six pm,  patient came in for a routine check up, I noticed some lesions on the skin, after informing the owner of the problem, I decided to do a skin scraping to check what is causing the problem. After taking a sample, preparing the slide and checking it on the microscope, I noticed some parasite which I am not familiar with. Usually, I would go to the mini-library to browse on books, but now I just use my tablet to search on-line for the necessary data. I just type the necessary info and presto! That easy - and way faster. A few moments later I'm explaining to the owner regarding the dog's disease and what is the proper approach to treat it.

7pm, Mrs. M is quite late in picking up  Astro. Earlier, I asked my kennel assistants to groom Astro and remove the stains on his coat. I administered his medication for the evening and made sure he was already fed. I have already prepared his take-home medications and carefully written down the instructions how to administer them. When Mrs. M stepped in the clinic, Astro tugged on his leash and tried to get close to his owner. Mrs M brought Astro's "yaya" along and while Mrs M was busy hugging and petting Astro, I gave the yaya the detailed instructions on how to administer the necessary medications. After the lengthy conversation, Mrs M approached the counter to pay the bill. With heartful thank yous from Mrs M and me responding call us if there would be any problems, the trio exited the building, Astro in the lead heading for the waiting car.

8 pm, I'm busy finishing up the necessary things before I leave for the day. I checked on my patients for the next day, made sure everything is in order. I also checked on the confines, made sure that they had received their medications on time. After filing back the patient forms to their proper places, cleaning up the clutter at the counter top, making sure the consultation tables are clean, placing back the instruments in their proper places, turning off lights that are not needed, I took my time card and logged out. Thankfully, my reliever just stepped in the door. After endorsing all the cases and making note about other reminders, I left the clinic.

Tomorrow brings another day in a busy clinic life. :)