Practice / Client 'contract' poster

RE: Practice / Client 'contract' poster

Arlo Guthrie — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 15:42:19 GMT

[quote user="ALH"]Would love something like this in our reception![/quote]

ALH - just an update to say that the idea has been passed to the RCVS for consideration (they might decide to produce something along these lines).

Will keep you posted.

RE: Practice / Client 'contract' poster

ALH — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 16:01:51 GMT

Would love something like this in our reception!

RE: Practice / Client 'contract' poster

Arlo Guthrie — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 08:56:21 GMT

[quote user="Alison Clare Hickman"]Are you anticipating charging a fee for the poster / download? Would it/could it be adaptable for practices to customise as appropriate? [/quote]

Well, if I am producing posters (ie the idea doesn't get taken up by someone else, such as the College), then I would probably either:

a) just make it a free download

b) investigate whether there is an online poster printing company that could take a generic design, and then allow practices to add their own logo and pay for print/post and packing.

c) Possibly have generic printed ones done myself.

I'm not looking to make any money out of it myself, so if there was any charge, it would be cost price.

RE: Practice / Client 'contract' poster

Alison Clare Hickman — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 08:47:09 GMT

Hi Arlo,

Are you anticipating charging a fee for the poster / download? Would it/could it be adaptable for practices to customise as appropriate?

As I said before, I welcome anything that promotes animal welfare/health and whilst you are at it, owner responsibility and respectful compliance with the vet/practice. Of course I realise, as you have also pointed out, it won't solve all evils or create "World Peace" (to quote Gracie Lou Freebush from Miss Congeniality ) on its own. Nevertheless, it speaks out with an instructive and constructive message, so of course I like it and see a place for it in practice. With the plethora of posters already on display in most waiting rooms, indeed, yes, colourful graphics and an eye-catching design is best to catch audience attention... as would be similar for a 'Starter Pack' leaflet.

Go for it!

Regards

Ali h

RE: Practice / Client 'contract' poster

Arlo Guthrie — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 07:16:18 GMT

[quote user="Alison Clare Hickman"]Not really read eagerly by clients (boring info!)[/quote]

Well, that's all in the manner of the delivery! In other words, perhaps if a poster it needs a strong headline and some graphics/illustration to grab the attention. Or by giving it to the new client on registration and standing over them while they read it (although when I'm in a waiting room, I'm always looking for something to read).

[quote user="Alison Clare Hickman"]Will it change the course of anyone's life, client decision to get a pet / manner of caring for a pet?[/quote]

I think the danger of proposing ideas in a forum is that they tend to be viewed in quite a black and white way (is this solving a problem or not?), when the thinking behind them is more 'shades of grey'.

I don't see this as changing the course of anyone's life on its own. I think it should be viewed as just one way of getting a message across and educating owners about their responsibilities.

[quote user="Alison Clare Hickman"]Why do you think it is a good idea?[/quote]

Well, I hear a lot of stories about clients behaving in a way that you and I would probably say was, well, just wrong! Ringing practices at 11.59 on Christmas Eve about a something that must have been giving their pet gip for months; accusing practices of being money-grubbing, not paying, not following instructions etc.

I think that in many cases, people take liberties because they think they can get away with it, or it's down to a genuine lack of clear communication. Both things which can be helped with something which clearly communicates the ground rules from the word go.

Thanks Ben Ogden and Nicola Smith My plan is to keep tweaking, and see if I can get any official backing for it, then make it available for practices to use (or not) as they see fit!

RE: Practice / Client 'contract' poster

Nicola Smith — Wed, 14 Sep 2016 12:29:10 GMT

I really like it and think it is a good thing to have in new client packs.

RE: Practice / Client 'contract' poster

Ben Ogden — Wed, 14 Sep 2016 11:01:37 GMT

I like it and I think over time (usually a long time) it may help shift owner attitudes to practices.

RE: Practice / Client 'contract' poster

Alison Clare Hickman — Wed, 14 Sep 2016 10:09:29 GMT

Hi Arlo,

I've seen similar client information posters like this before. Not really read eagerly by clients (boring info!). In my experience the information is usually used as "get out of jail free - see we told you" explanation for practice colleagues if challenged by a client...

Can I see a place for this in the waiting room? Yes. Will it change the course of anyone's life, client decision to get a pet / manner of caring for a pet? Possibly not. However anything that promotes welfare and health of pets is a good thing. Perhaps publishing it externally to the practice is a good idea - promulgate the message further than just fishing indoors in your own pond, so to speak?! What do you think?

As regards the content - I think that under 'Obligations' there may be a need to include the words (2nd bullet point) ... please refer to our vets for your pet's individual plan.

(3rd bullet point) ... as required by the 'Veterinary Medicines Directorate' (VMD) under the 'Cascade'

http://www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/pdf/vmgn/vmgnote13.pdf

Why do you think it is a good idea?