RESEARCH PROJECT ASSIGNMENT
There are two papers to this research project. Both research papers are required.
PAPER 1: VETERINARY
COMPUTER SOFTWARE
More veterinary clinics and hospitals are now using computers for day-to-day operations, and computer software companies are continuously developing and upgrading programs for use in veterinary medicine. Knowledge of computers and computer software is becoming necessary for all hospital staff: the receptionists, hospital and office managers, the veterinarians, vet technicians, assistants, and kennel workers. Computers and specialized veterinary management software can improve efficiency by keeping up with inventory, printing labels and certificates, performing accounting, storing patient files, and so on.
You'll research three different brands of veterinary management software. Compare and contrast these brands and write a research paper that includes, but isn't limited to, the following information:
1. Names of the three 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. Pros and cons of each software package-what does each program do or not do?
4. How are technical support issues handled?
5. Discuss what kind of contingency plan each company has to handle system failure/recovery
6. Is installation of the server and other hardware provided?
7. Are updates to software automatic, or do they need to be requested?
8. Include office functions, like reminders, accounting, billing, inventory control, and so on
9. Is the system able to import lab results directly from the laboratory into the medical record?
10. If describing a cloud-based software system, you're still required to provide all of the information above as it relates to the cloud-based system.
PAPER 2: INTERPERSONAL
COMMUNICATION
Veterinary technicians are inundated with questions every day. These questions come from clients and coworkers. Because of this, veterinary technicians need to be good listeners and good communicators. In your own words, describe techniques for being a good listener. What would you do to clarify what a client or coworker is saying to you? Also, describe some ways that you can communicate so that a client or coworker will listen to and fully understand what you're saying. Give examples that relate to dealing with clients/coworkers in a hospital setting: discharging a surgical patient, euthanasia, and so on.
In general, the communication process has the following four
Essential elements:
1. Message
2. Sender
3. Channel
4. Receiver
A message is an
HOW TO LISTEN
- Prepare yourself to listen. Stop all other activity and focus your attention on what's being said.
- Look at the speaker.
- Concentrate on what's being said.
- Don't allow distractions of any kind to interfere with your listening.
- Listen with empathy.
- Listen not only to what's being said, but also to how it's being said.
- Don't interrupt. Interrupting someone indicates that you weren't listening.
Be sure to include
• Body language
• Nonverbal communication/gestures (including some possible cultural differences that might arise)
• Paraphrasing
• Eye contact
• Discrimination and prejudices
• Patient records/handouts and brochures
• Any other pertinent information you can think of
PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS
Use a word processing program, like Word, Word Perfect,or Open Office. The research papers must be typewritten.
• Each paper should be easy to read with appropriate font, double-spacing, correct spelling, grammar, and sentence and paragraph structure. You should use proper APA format for your reference citations.
• Each research paper should include at least three references. The information must be supported by trusted veterinary medical publications and websites.