The veterinary medicine industry is always changing and evolving. As new technologies are developed and new treatments are discovered, the way we care for our animal patients changes, too. Here are five trends that we think will shape veterinary medicine in 2023.
1. Automation
Automation is one of the biggest trends in all industries right now, and veterinary medicine is no exception. From automated appointment reminders to online prescription refill requests, there are a number of ways that automation can help make running a veterinary practice easier. We think that this trend will only continue in the coming year as more and more practices look for ways to streamline their operations.
2. AI Technology
Another big trend that we see impacting veterinary medicine is the increased use of AI technology. AI can be used for a number of tasks, from diagnostics to treatment planning. We think that AI will continue to become increasingly commonplace in veterinary medicine as it has shown to have promising potential in improving patient outcomes.
3. Contactless Client Experience
With the ongoing pandemic, many veterinary practices have had to reevaluate the way they interact with their clients. One trend that we see emerging is a move towards contactless client experiences. This could involve anything from curbside pick-up and drop-off to virtual consultations. We think this trend will continue even after the pandemic ends as clients appreciate the convenience and safety of contactless interactions.
4. Paperless Office/Paperwork
Another trend that we see becoming more prevalent in veterinary medicine is the move towards a paperless office or paperwork. We think this trend will continue to grow in popularity in the coming year as more practices realize the benefits of going paperless, as well as improvement in technology that makes going paperless easier. Similarly to the contactless experience and how we emerge from the pandemic, veterinary practices are realizing that it is not only more efficient but there are many other benefits that paperless offers, such as more personal, one-to-one contact time with clients to discuss the needs of their pets. As clients no longer need to juggle clipboards and leashes, this will be one area that they truly appreciate.
5.New Advances in Equipment Sterilization
As surgical and diagnostic equipment becomes more precise and advanced, as we’ve seen with the Myriad NOVUS or Intraoperative Ultrasound, the need for sterilization procedures of delicate technology which protect your investments becomes more important than ever. We anticipate that there will be new advances in equipment sterilization in the coming year, as well as a greater emphasis on proper sterilization protocols in veterinary practices. We’ve seen this already emerge with new Plasma Bionics technology and the exciting new ways they are redefining veterinary instrument sterilization.
These are just a few of the trends that we think will shape veterinary medicine in 2023. 2022 has been an exciting year, and we look forward to what is ahead of us. As always, change is inevitable in this industry but we think these changes will ultimately lead to better patient care and more efficient practices. What do you think? Are there any other trends you see emerging? Reach out to us and let us know!
Image credit: Shutterstock/Yurchanka Siarhei
