Description
The documentation burden in veterinary practice is one of the greatest contributors to inefficiency, stress, and after-hours work. AI scribes, tools that capture and transform clinical conversations into structured, editable notes, offer an innovative solution. Already widely adopted in human healthcare, these technologies are now growing in popularity in veterinary medicine, with the potential to improve client communication, streamline record-keeping, and free clinicians to focus on patient care.
This 45-minute session will introduce the concept of AI scribes, exploring what they are, how they work, and the key benefits they bring to different roles within the practice team - from veterinarians and nurses to managers and administrative staff. Potential pitfalls will also be examined, including accuracy, data protection, and regulatory considerations, alongside practical strategies for responsible implementation.
By highlighting best-practice features to look for in an AI scribe, such as offline capability, customisable templates, flexible note styles, and client-friendly outputs, participants will leave with a clear framework to guide selection and adoption. Real-world experiences from practices already using AI scribes will demonstrate tangible benefits for staff wellbeing, efficiency, and client engagement. This is an opportunity to understand not just the technology, but the leadership approach required to embed it successfully in practice.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the core functions of AI scribes and how they differ from traditional dictation tools.
- Explain the potential benefits of AI scribes for clinical workflow, client communication, and practice efficiency.
- Evaluate key risks such as accuracy, data protection, and compliance, and propose strategies to mitigate them.
- Compare different AI scribe features and assess their suitability for varied veterinary practice settings.
- Formulate an implementation plan that includes team training, success metrics, and ongoing evaluation.
