Current trends in design (Proceedings)

Remember when it was enough to be a good doctor? Now, many more criteria effect your reputation as a competent provider. Practice image, practice management, human resources management, technology, and 24/7/365 convenience are just a few of the factors that affect the 21st century veterinarian.

Trends in Veterinary Medicine

Paradigm Shifts in Ownership

Generational and gender differences and their affect on veterinary ownership goals have changed drastically in recent years.

Consumer Differentiation

Consumers look for products and services that speak to their specific needs and values. Veterinary practices must diversify to meet these needs. It will become increasing important to develop a practice philosophy that targets your clientele and differentiates you from your peers.

Whole Life Care

Today's pet owners consider their pets to be family members and participants in their daily lives. Future veterinary hospitals will focus on whole-life care and will offer "cradle-to grave" services such as Adoption, Wellness, Behavior, Daycare, Nutrition, Rehabilitation, Geriatrics, Euthanasia and Grieving.

Diagnostics

The next generation of veterinary hospitals will see an increase in the emphasis on diagnostics over treatment. Diagnostic imaging is currently undergoing dramatic improvement and is likely to become one of the greatest areas of growth in the veterinary practice. As imaging equipment becomes more advanced and accurate, veterinarians will be able to use imaging more effectively to diagnose and manage disease while reducing trauma to patients. This trend also extends to laboratory equipment.

Specialty Referral and Emergency

There is a strong trend toward centralizing services and facilities through the creation of specialty referral and emergency practices. Many veterinarians are moving away from providing all of the available medical services to their clients. Instead they are combining resources with other veterinarians to provide specialized care, increased hours of operation and the utilization of advanced equipment.

Boarding and Daycare

Today's pet owners are constantly on the move. Many take their pets with them on their travels, but others are looking for boarding resorts. Many are also looking for pet daycare during the normal workweek. This trend is increasing the demand for quality boarding and daycare options and services.

On-Line Expertise

The creation of user-friendly hospital websites and client/doctor blogs is certainly a prevalent trend. As is telemedicine and doctor/specialist interaction by computer. The time for both living and practicing veterinary medicine on the internet is here.

Holistic Care

This form of alternative veterinary medicine is being sought by clients in increasing numbers. Holistic veterinary clinics are being constructed and space for both holistic and homeopathic treatments is being created in existing hospitals. These services are being viewed as an addition to, not a replacement for traditional veterinary care.

Cats

The anatomies of dogs and cats are different, as is their temperament and behavior. Catering to these differences within the design of new hospitals is a trend. Though we no longer create a "dog side" and "cat side" of the hospital we do design seating arrangements that offer refuge from others in the waiting areas. In recent years there has been a movement toward the establishment of more and more cats-only practices. Since the focus of feline-only practices is cats, the environment is quieter and calmer, which often adds up to a bonus for cats.

Trends in Veterinary Buildings

• Boutique Practice

• Specialty Referral and Emergency Hospitals

• Pet Care Centers

• Ancillary Services Delivery

• Physical Therapy

• Behavior Training

• Holistic, Homeopathic Remedies

• Health Spas

• Boarding

• Grooming

• Day Care

Trends in Equipment

More Advanced Equipment (Imaging)

Integrating diagnostic and practice-management systems

Summary

A combination of high tech and high touch services will influence clients of the future. Practice Owners will respond to client's higher expectations with new amenities, services, equipment and treatment. Designing the ideal Veterinary Hospital of the Future is up to you. Explore your special interests, brainstorm ideas, and ask staff and clients input to create your endowment to the future of veterinary medical practice.