SPVS-VPMA Focus On Technology Day Highlights Rapid Evolution In Vet Tech And It's Money Saving Potential

The rapid evolution in veterinary technology and its potential to save vets time and money was highlighted at the second annual SPVS-VPMA Focus on Technology day on June 13th in Daventry. The emphasis of the day was how to harness digital tools to help drive profit and work efficiencies. The mini conference gathered together vets and managers from far and wide to explore how they could run their practices more smoothly while saving money and time. Workshops included using apps and tablet technology on the road and in the consult room, the benefits of VoIP telephony for busy and multi-branch practices, PMS plug-ins to prevent mischarging and the new Google+ social media platform. Practice management consultant and software expert Greg Robinson from Sparkline informed and entertained the audience with his ‘no-brainer, do these right now’ tips. For instance, he highlighted how to instantly drive profit without putting up fees or increasing the number of clients by simply sending healthcare reminders after every consultation, regardless of the reason for the visit. Given that at any one time, barely 50% of a practice’s client database will have regular vaccinations and therefore receive reminders, there’s a whopping 50% of clients who don’t receive any kind of healthcare call-to-action. Broadening the catchment for text or email reminders can mean a significant boost to the bottom line. Social media guru Susie Samuel delivered a step-by-step guide on how to claim your Google+ business page and the knock-on benefits to your Google ranking. With Facebook falling out of favour because of privacy concerns, Susie felt that the Google+ platform would be increasingly used by consumers to connect with local businesses - including vets. Its customer review facility allows an easy way to drive client referrals right at the point of first online contact. Exhibitors saw a steady flow of visitors through the day with queries on how to drive telephone reception efficiency at busy times, to the latest website must-haves. The SPVS-VPMA sister event ‘Focus on Diagnostics’ in the autumn will follow the successful exhibition and workshop format. The day aims to update vets on 21st century diagnostic tools and answer the dilemma of ‘What’s essential, versus what’s nice to have?’ as well as how to measure the financial return on your investment. More details and booking for all the SPVS-VPMA CPD events can be found on www.vpma-spvs-events.co.uk

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