The results of dvm360’s triennial survey are out. The survey makes clear veterinarians are concerned. They feel the same changes we feel and more. Addressing their concerns with proper action remains a strong challenge.
Enterprising reps will set aside the detail book and use these survey results to have solution-centered dialogues with their accounts. “B” accounts will likely need the discussion more than “A” accounts, as most “A” accounts already have implemented change strategies.
Review the Top 10 survey results. Then, consider acting on these:
- Competition from nontraditional service providers (big box retailers, online pharmacies and so on).
- INSIGHT – Promote the many online distributors, home delivery services.
- Client (non)compliance.
- INSIGHT – Engage manufacturer initiatives and compliance programs. Help practices promote these within their client base.
- Dr. Google and other sources of misinformation.
- INSIGHT – Share Animal Health Digest as a source for practice teams to keep abreast of current media topics and as a place to appropriate content for clinic websites, newsletters and blogs.
- Maintaining wellness/preventive care for pets.
- INSIGHT – Help practices make prevention a priority for all team members. Help them use resources from AAHA, AVMA and manufacturers to ensure clients understand the value of prevention. Eighty-four percent of survey respondents want the use of pet insurance to grow. Share implementation and success stories from other practices to help individual clinics grow their insured client bases.
Source: DVM 360, February 6, 2016.
From work-life balance issues to financial concerns, from competitive worries to the changing corporate landscape, veterinarians have their share of challenges to consider in the wee small hours. In this survey, we asked more questions related to income and student debt and, sure enough, they are near the top of the list of professional worries. Competition from nontraditional providers of veterinary services (retailers, shelters and humane societies, Internet sales websites and so on) are also advancing in prominence.
INSIGHTS – Veterinarians and veterinary teams will benefit from setting aside time to discuss these survey results with selected representatives or companies who can help identify resources for growth. Consider combining your efforts with others in your local vet groups to send a prevention message to all clients in the area. Also, connecting with the Veterinary Study Group‘s veterinary management groups could yield solutions that are being practiced and measured.