Creating Custom Templates

Creating a Custom Template from Scratch in CoVet

While personalizing existing templates is useful for minor adjustments, creating a custom template from scratch in CoVet is ideal for larger-scale changes or highly specific use cases. This allows you to design a document exactly to your needs, such as discharge instructions for hospitalized patients. CoVet support is available to assist you if you need help achieving a particular outcome.

Getting Started

1. Access Templates:
   • Click on the "My Account" section.
   • Then, click on "Templates". You'll see a list of available templates.
2. Create a New Template:
   • In the top right, click "New Record Template". This will open a blank page.

Building Your Custom Template

1. Name Your Template:

   • Give your template a clear and descriptive Name (e.g., "Discharge Instructions"). You can also add a description, though it's optional.

2. Understand Sections and Instructions:

   • Pay close attention to the two main columns: Sections (the content of your document) and Instructions (how CoVet should interpret and generate that content).

3. Add Sections (Document Body):

   • Click the "New Section" button.
   • Name the section (e.g., "General Information," "Case Summary," "Go Home Instructions").
   • Add content to the Body: This is the text that will appear in your generated document. You can type or paste pre-written text.
   • Use Square Brackets for Mini-Instructions: Within the body of a section, you can use [square brackets] to insert small prompts or placeholders for information (e.g., [patient name], [today's date]). These are useful for indicating where specific details should be inserted by CoVet.
   • Create as many sections as needed for your document's structure.

4. Add Instructions (Guidance for CoVet):

   • Click over to the Instructions column. You'll see an instruction field for the template as a whole and for each individual section.
   • Overall Template Instructions:This is crucial! Provide an overarching goal for CoVet to ensure the document's tone and purpose are clear.
     • Example: "This template creates a document that will be sent home with the client following a pet's stay in hospital. It needs to be written in client-friendly language." This sets the tone for the entire document.
   • Section-Specific Instructions:For each section, provide clear instructions on what CoVet should include or how it should summarize information.
     • Example for "General Information": "Insert patient's name; Briefly summarize the reason for hospital stay."
     • Example for "Case Summary": "Summarize the patient's case briefly."
     • Example for "Go Home Instructions": "For medications, list medications in point form and include dosing information; For care instructions, list any other relevant care instructions."
   • Instructions can be very detailed, even a full page of text for complex or nuanced sections.
   • Save Changes: Ensure you save all your changes to the template.

5. Organize (Optional):

   • You can add tags to help organize your templates if you have many.

Generating a Document from Your Custom Template

1. Go Back to the Case: Return to the current case you're working on.
2. Generate: Click the "Generate" button.
3. Find Your Template: Search for your newly created custom template (e.g., "Discharge Instructions").
4. Click Generate: Select your template and click "Generate".

It will take about 30 seconds for CoVet to generate the document based on your recording and template instructions. You'll then see the completed document with information like patient name, reason for stay, discharge date, a summary, and care instructions, all tailored by your template.

This process allows for highly customized documentation. If you encounter any difficulties or have specific requirements, don't hesitate to reach out to support@co.vet