Cloud-Based Veterinary Software

It has been said that cloud-based veterinary software is the future but what exactly is it and how can it help your practice?

What is cloud-based veterinary software?

Cloud-based veterinary software is a practice management tool that offers a more flexible and secure alternative to self-managed server-based software. Like everything, it comes with its own specific advantages and disadvantages. To find out whether cloud-based software is the best option for you and your practice, read on below.

What are the advantages of cloud-based veterinary software?

1. Less expensive
   This is true for both the hardware expense and the overall cost of the software as there are no hefty installation fees or maintenance costs such as with an onsite physical server. Instead, for most cloud-based software you will only need to pay a monthly subscription fee, and many companies offer free trials so you can try before you buy.
2. Scalability
   Cloud-based software also has the advantage of scalability which allows you to pay only for what you will use according to the size and needs of your practice, rather than paying for an entire software which is often the case with server-based software.
3. Free upgrades
   Another expense-related advantage is that most cloud-based software producers implement regular updates free of charge. These are installed at the server-side so that your practice can continue treating patients seamlessly.
4. Portability
   As the name suggests the software is hosted on the cloud via the internet, which allows you and your staff to access it from anywhere, anytime. This is especially handy for practices using multiple devices or for mobile vet services. This also allows your staff to collaborate easier, sharing and editing files in real-time, improving patient care.
5. Data backup
   Server-based software requires you and your team to spend a lot of time manually managing your backups, including monitoring their health and frequently testing their useability. In comparison, data is backed up as often as every 15 minutes with cloud-based software, and these backups are managed for you to save you time. This means that in case of disaster, your clinic is protected and you can continue to treat patients with minimal disruptions.
6. Security
   Cloud-based software is highly secure as your data is encrypted and managed by a team of people knowledgeable in cyber-security, allowing you peace of mind as well as more time to spend on patients rather than managing your data.

There is no question about the benefits to your business when it comes to cloud-based software, but in order to make the most informed decision, it is also important to consider any disadvantages.

So, what are the disadvantages of cloud-based veterinary software?

1. Internet dependency
   Though being run through the internet means that your software is more accessible and portable, this is all dependent on having a reliable and good quality internet connection. Without this, cloud-based software will not be able to function properly.
2. Potential downtime
   If issues occur or maintenance is needed, your cloud-based software may experience downtime during which it is unusable. However, most companies ensure 99.9% uptime per year, minimizing the effect on your practice. Although cloud-based software has many advantages over onsite server-based ones, if you operate somewhere with very low quality, unreliable internet connection it may unfortunately not be the best choice for your practice.

Cloud-based practice management systems (PMS)

Practice management systems are integral to the management of client and patient data, keeping the day organized for you and your staff so that you can spend more time with your patients and less time worrying about paperwork. Some common cloud-based PMS include Ascend, OpenVPMS, and EzyVet. Cloud-based PMS has all of the added benefits I’ve discussed above such as scalability, portability, and frequent data backups, making it even more useful for your practice.

Client communication and engagement platforms

An added benefit of these systems is the ability to integrate client communication platforms such as VetCheck. These are integral to client engagement throughout the entire clinical process, providing everything from welcome packs and pretreatment information to discharge details and home care videos. Taking your pet for a vet examination can be a highly stressful occasion, and this combined with appointments that can often be time-pressured and short means that pet-owners will only take in about 40% of what is said during that time. This then impairs pet-care and can result in worse treatment outcomes and decreased client satisfaction. The integration of communication platforms such as VetCheck avoids these issues with online forms, visual aids and diagnostic information, home care videos and more. This saves you time, reduces client loss, and improves treatment outcomes.

Best practice tools and charts

Cloud-based softwares also allows for the integration of best practice tools with your practice management system. These tools include digital general anesthesia monitoring, dental and hospital charts, digital certificates, and electronic drug prescriptions to be generated/monitored in real-time. This helps to save you time and decreases the large amount of paperwork that needs to be stored and managed throughout the day.

Online appointment systems

Fully integrated online appointment systems allow customers to book appointments at any time, from anywhere. This helps to decrease the stress for your customers and greatly reduces the number of calls your front-desk staff receives during the day - time which can then be spent on patient care. Cloud-based veterinary software opens the door to the future of practice management and client communication. It offers ease of platform and tool integration and uses that is often not possible with server-based softwares, and has even allowed many practices to transition to a paperless workplace. Overall, cloud based veterinary software saves you time and resources that can then be spent with your patients, reducing stress on you and your staff as well as improving pet care and customer satisfaction.