What is the best way to speak to CoVet?

In this article

1. Ensure High-Quality Audio Recording

2. Be Mindful of Privacy and Consent When Recording With a Client

3. Begin with a Clear Case Introduction

4. Use Explicit Statements for Important Findings

5. Clarify Patient Identity in Multi-Patient Appointments
6. Address All Template Sections Where Possible

7. Signal Transitions and Actions

8. Incorporate Technical Terminology Effectively
9. Provide Context for New Information

10. Summarize and Confirm Plans

Your unique communication style is valuable, and it’s a big part of why your clients love you! That said, being sure to incorporate the following tips into your consultations can enhance the accuracy of CoVet's AI-generated records.

Much of this comes down to what communication specialists call “signposting” and “reflective listening”. Using these skills will not only help your AI records, but they’re good for your clients as well!

 

Ensure High-Quality Audio Recording

Use Optimal Recording Devices, and Place Them Well: For the best results, start with
using a mobile phone, as its microphone is generally high-quality. Keep it close to where the discussion is happening as best possible.

Avoid Less Effective Microphones: Laptop and desktop microphones may not capture
audio clearly due to lower quality and distance from the speakers.

Upgrade with External Microphones: To improve audio in consultation rooms, consider using a conference room microphone that connects via USB to your computer.

 

 

Be Mindful of Privacy and Consent When Recording With a Client

Inform Clients: Ensure they are aware of the recording and have provided consent.
Ideally you want the recording on when you ask for consent so it is documented.

Comply with Regulations: Adhere to all privacy laws and guidelines.

 

 

Begin with a Clear Case Introduction

Provide Essential Patient Details: Start by summarizing the patient and the reason for
the visit.

Example: "We are seeing Fluffy, a five-year-old female spayed bulldog, presenting today for skin issues. She has a history of dermatitis and has been receiving cytopoint injections monthly for control."

Benefits: This orientates CoVet, ensuring more accurate and comprehensive records.

 

Use Explicit Statements for Important Findings

State Results Clearly: When discussing test results or treatments, explicitly mention
what you're referring to.

Example: "The ear cytology results are back, and they show the presence of yeast."

Avoid Ambiguity: Casual mentions can be misinterpreted without clear context - simply stating “we found some yeast” doesn’t tell CoVet if that yeast is on the cytology, in the dog’s ears, on the wall or somewhere else!

 

Clarify Patient Identity in Multi-Patient Appointments

Specify the Pet: Clearly state which pet you're discussing, especially when clients have
multiple animals.

Example: "To confirm, the vomiting and diarrhea are signs that Bonnie is experiencing, not Betsy. Is that correct?"

Use Reflective Listening: This not only aids CoVet but also ensures client concerns are
accurately addressed.

 

Address All Template Sections Where Possible

Cover All Sections: When using a template like our SOAP aim to provide information
for each of the Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan sections. It doesn’t matter
how brief the information for each is, in what order you cover them, or if you flip back and forth - just try to make sure you give CoVet at least something for each section.

Reasoning and Solutions: Even a small amount of background information helps keep details in their proper place. For example, if you use a SOAP template but leave out all historical notes, the system may inadvertently pull physical exam findings into the subjective section, simply because it has no appropriate information to draw on.

Work Around: If you truly don’t want to cover a certain section, consider modifying
your template so that section is no longer present.

 

Signal Transitions and Actions

Indicate New Topics or Procedures: Clearly announce when moving to a different part
of the consultation.

Example: "I'm going to examine Molly now."

Describe Actions Taken: This helps CoVet document procedures accurately.

Example: "Administering the rabies vaccine in the right hind leg, valid for three years."

 

Incorporate Technical Terminology Effectively

If you want your record to include specific technical terminology, you have a few options on how to approach this.

Option 1: Use medical terminology when speaking with the client, providing explanations as needed.

Example: "Molly has a two-centimeter diameter soft mobile subcutaneous mass
on her left side, which means there's a small, movable lump under the skin."

Option 2: Use colloquial terms during the consultation for better client understanding. After the client leaves, provide additional technical information to CoVet.

Example: "For the lump I described on Molly's left side, please note it as a
two-centimeter diameter soft mobile subcutaneous mass in my records."

Option 3: Use CoVet's Abbreviations and Technical Terms feature to systematically replace colloquial terms with technical
terminology.

Example: Always replace “lump” with “mass”

 

Provide Context for New Information

Explain Background: When introducing new findings or decisions, provide context.

Example: "Given Fluffy's ongoing skin issues, a hypoallergenic diet might be
beneficial."

 

Summarize and Confirm Plans

Recap Key Points: Conclude with a summary of the diagnosis and treatment plan.

Example: "To summarize, we'll start Fluffy on antifungal medication for the yeast
infection and schedule a follow-up in two weeks."

Ensure Client Understanding: This not only aids CoVet but also reinforces client
communication.