Paper 1: Veterinary Computer Software
Goals
Identify the various types of veterinary software programs that are available.
Explain the use and benefits of veterinary software programs in practice.
Report the pros and cons of different programs.
Categorize and examine the features of various programs.
Evaluate your research to determine which programs may provide the best service in a veterinary practice.
Instructions
Many veterinary clinics and hospitals rely heavily on computers for day-to-day operations. Computer software companies are constantly developing and upgrading programs for use in veterinary medicine.
Imagine you’re the head veterinary technician working in a multidoctor veterinary practice. The practice owner is considering upgrading his or her outdated invoicing software and paper medical records, wanting to replace them with veterinary management software that can perform a wide variety of management functions.
The practice owner wants each member of the veterinary team to gather information on two different brands of veterinary management software. Each team member will compile his or her information into a written report, which will be given to the practice owner and practice manager to help them make their decision.
As the head technician, you’re given the first choice on which software brands to research. Select two different brands of veterinary management software. Research each software brand, paying attention to the items in the following list, then write a research paper that compares and contrasts the two software brands, including (but not limiting your writing to) the following information:
1. Names of the two brands of software that you’ve chosen, and a brief description of each of them
2. Information about the companies who make the software
3. What are some benefits for a practice using a software program?
4. List office features and functions, as well as pros and cons of each software package—what does each program do, or not do?
5. How are technical support issues handled?
6. How is loss of data prevented in each type of program?
7. Is this a cloud- or server-based program? What hardware or software might be required?
8. Is training provided? In what ways?
9. Are laboratory and imaging results imported? Provide details on those that are compatible with the software program being discussed.
Paper 2: Interpersonal Communication
As a veterinary technician, you’ll be inundated with questions every day. These questions come from clients and coworkers. In order to handle these questions, it’s important that you be both a good listener and a good communicator.
Goals
List and define the four elements of communication.
Identify the methods for effectively communicating with others.
Apply knowledge of proper communication methods to client and colleague interactions in a veterinary practice.
Determine the importance of using and observing verbal and nonverbal communication.
Prepare oneself to work with clients and coworkers as part of the patient care team.
Establish adequate communication skills for use in a veterinary setting.
Instructions
Describe techniques for being a good listener. What can you do to clarify what a client or coworker is saying to you? Also, describe some ways you can communicate clearly so a client or coworker will not only listen to you but fully understand what you’re saying.
Be sure to include the following:
Body language
Nonverbal communication/gestures (including possible cultural differences that might arise)
Paraphrasing
Eye contact
Discrimination and prejudices
Patient records/handouts and brochures
Any other pertinent information you deem important
Next, provide at least two specific scenarios that relate to dealing with others in a hospital setting, and how and why you might use the previously mentioned techniques in these scenarios. Be sure to include multiple examples from the list above. Describe how those techniques would be used in your scenarios.
These examples may include conflict with a coworker, conflict with an employee, dealing with a difficult client, or having an emotional conversation with a client.
