Practice Design

CHAPTER 7

Practice Design

Maintenance Diets

Therapeutic Diets

Time and Motion

Many veterinary practices are located in older buildings and are beginning to look at remodeling, upgrading, or moving into a new building. Many things must be taken into consideration when moving to a new building. Selecting a location that is easy to find for both new and existing clients will increase the growth of the practice. The building should look clean and professional from the outside (Figure 7-1). The hospital or practice sign should be easy to see and read from the street (Figure 7-2). Team members will be responsible for the input of ideas to increase efficiency at the new or updated location; this demands an understanding of the principles of motion economy and the placement of equipment to create an environment that helps the team work in a smarter way and more comfortably. The goal of motion economy is to be more efficient, not to work harder and more strenuously.

FIGURE 7-1 The client parking lot should be clearly designated and clean. (From Bassert JM, McCurnin DM: McCurnin’s clinical textbook for veterinary technicians, ed 7, St Louis, 2010, Saunders Elsevier.)

PRINCIPLES OF TIME AND MOTION

When determining the placement of office equipment and supplies, the principles of time and motion should be considered. Time and motion refer to the amount of time and degree of motion required to perform a given task. This is important in the receptionist’s office and exam rooms of a general practice. Many studies have been completed to understand how to minimize the amount of time and motion it takes to perform basic tasks. To improve motion economy, it is necessary to eliminate unnecessary steps or tasks, rearrange equipment, organize procedures, and simplify tasks. The principles of motion economy can aid in accomplishing these goals, thereby reducing stress and increasing productivity within the practice (Box 7-1).

Box 7-1 Applying the Principle of Motion Economy in the Business Office

• Position objects as close to the point of use as possible.

• Use motions that require the least amount of movement.

• Minimize the number of materials used for a given procedure.

• Use smooth, continuous movements, not zigzag motions.

• Organize materials in a logical sequence.

• Use ergonomically designed chairs to provide good body posture.

• Provide lighting that eliminates shadows.

• Provide work areas that are at elbow level.

• Computer screens should be positioned within 10 to 40 degrees of horizontal.

BODY POSITIONING

Receptionists should consider sitting whenever possible to eliminate undue stress on the back, neck, and legs. Improper posture while standing can lead to fatigue, which can decrease productivity. While seated in a chair, a person should have the thighs parallel to the floor, the lower legs vertical, and the feet firmly on the floor (Figure 7-3). While using the keyboard, the arms should be positioned so that the forearms and wrists are as horizontal as possible. The back and neck should be erect, with the upper arms perpendicular to the floor. It should be remembered that the receptionist should always face clients; a team member’s back can appear rude and unapproachable.

FIGURE 7-3 Receptionists should maintain proper posture by keeping their feet flat on the floor, legs perpendicular, and back straight.

Technicians working on the floor all day must have a correct body posture to reduce future back problems. Body posture should be straight, with no slumping. Team competitions can be held to correct others’ body posture on a daily basis. Team members must also remember to lift with their legs, not their backs, to prevent back injuries. Most back problems are due to continual, long-term, incorrect lifting procedures; therefore injuries may not be felt for years. Management must initiate and enforce correct lifting procedures to protect the team from future painful conditions.

ERGONOMICS

Ergonomics is the science that studies the relationship between people and their work environments. Interrelated physical and psychological factors are involved in the creation of a stress-free work environment. By understanding the abilities that people have and their work patterns, it is possible to design an environment that conforms to the work needs of team members. The appropriate use of design can make a job much more productive and efficient while reducing work-related injuries and discomforts.

Physiologic factors include color, lighting, acoustics, heating and cooling, space, furniture, and equipment. Poor lighting can play a large factor in team member inefficiencies; improper lighting causes eye strain, misinterpreted hospital sheets and records, or missed parasites on a pet.

Acoustics can play a vital role in kennel assistants’ duties because they spend most of their time within the kennel ward. Barking dogs with a piercing tone can wear down even the best attitude, decreasing the efficiency of the team member (let alone a recovering patient!). When working in noisy areas for extended periods of time, personal hearing protectors can be worn (Figure 7-4).

FIGURE 7-4 Hearing protectors should always be used in noisy kennels. (From Bassert JM, McCurnin DM: McCurnin’s clinical textbook for veterinary technicians, ed 7, St Louis, 2010, Saunders Elsevier.)

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Tags: Front Office Management for the Veterinary Team

Oct 1, 2016 | Posted by admin in EXOTIC, WILD, ZOO | Comments Off

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