College Connection | Summer 2023
Sharing Learnings in Practice : Enhancing Team-Based Care
College Connection | Summer 2023
Sharing Learnings in Practice : Enhancing Team-Based Care
As the workforce shortage continues to impact Ontario ’ s veterinary teams and the public ’ s access to veterinary services , the College hears about novel approaches to minimize the impact and enhance the contributions within teams to provide timely patient care . Dr . Christina Martin from Kingsville , ON shares the benefits and challenges of expanding the role of her RVTs to enhance team-based care in her practices .
What was the motivation to enhance team-based care at your practice ?
The motivation to start enhancing the role of the RVTs at our practices was two-fold . Firstly , as is the case everywhere else in North America , our region has a DVM shortage . We were triaging constantly and booking appointments for routine wellness and non-urgent medical concerns 2 to 3 weeks out .
This was frustrating for owners worried about their pet and placed significant strain on front desk personnel , not to mention our local emergency hospital . When we started offering wellness appointments with our RVTs , our schedule opened . I can see more patients in a day , and the change in mood at the practice has been palpable .
Secondly , coming out of COVID , burnout was a real concern .
We wanted to contribute to retention of RVTs in the profession . We were looking for a way to uplift them : to give them an opportunity to use their skills , further their careers and be more involved in patient care on the front line .
RVTs are incredibly knowledgeable , and the ones I work with already know my approach to many scenarios . It has been rewarding to mentor them : to practice having client interactions , reviewing physical exam subtleties , and having in-depth discussions on wellness topics .
I am confident in the messaging provided by the whole team when communicating with our clients .
How did you decide on the approach to team-based care to integrate in your practice ?
Early in 2022 , we knew we wanted to make a change . When we heard about a continuing education course in Calgary for RVTs , that was the jumping off point for us . We liked that there was going to be a framework to the training , and that it would be provided by a trusted third party .
How we implemented the change was a team discussion . My associate and I had a general plan , but we met with our receptionists and RVTs to brainstorm about how it might go . Everyone had a chance to voice questions or concerns and have input on the logistics .
After ensuring we were compliant with regulations , and our RVTs had completed their training , we implemented the program in December of 2022 . We had clear messaging to clients – sent by email , posted on social media and posted throughout the clinic – explaining the change .
We also set some boundaries early on to set everyone up for success . First , we set longer appointment
• Dr . Christina Martin , Kingsville
times for the RVTs . This might not mean they are with the client for this length of time , but it gives them the opportunity to take their time : writing up records , reviewing the case with the veterinarian , asking any questions they might have , and ensuring the proper follow-up is in place . Secondly , we set clear guidelines for the types of wellness appointments they would see . Currently we are limiting this to patients ( with an established VCPR ) that are between 1 and 5 years of age with no other medical concerns .
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