Veterinary Computer Software and Interpersonal Communication

Paper 1: Veterinary Computer Software
Many veterinary clinics and hospitals rely heavily on computers for day-to-day operations. Computer software companies are constantly developing and upgrading programs for use in veterinary medicine.
Imagine you're the head veterinary technician working in a multidoctor veterinary practice. The practice owner is considering upgrading the outdated invoicing software and paper medical records, wanting to replace them with veterinary management software that can perform a wide variety of management functions.
The practice owner wants each member of the veterinary team to gather information on two different brands of veterinary management software. Each team member will compile his or her information into a written report, which will be given to the practice owner and practice manager to help them make their decision.
As the head technician, you're given the first choice on which software brands to research. Select two different brands of veterinary management software. Research each software brand, paying attention to the items in the following list, and then write a research paper that compares and contrasts the two software brands, including (but not limiting your writing to) the following information:
Name the two brands of software that you've chosen, and give a brief description of each of them.
Include information about the companies that make the software.
-What are some benefits for a practice using a software program?
-List office features and functions, as well as pros and cons of each software package—what does each program do, or not do?
-How are technical support issues handled?
-How is loss of data prevented in each type of program?
-Is this a cloud- or server-based program? What hardware or software might be required?
-Is training provided? In what ways?
-Are laboratory and imaging results imported? Provide details on those that are compatible with the software program being discussed.
Paper 2: Interpersonal Communication
Describe techniques for being a good listener. What can you do to clarify what a client or coworker is saying to you? Also, describe some ways you can communicate clearly so a client or coworker will not only listen to you but fully understand what you're saying.
Be sure to include the following:
Body language
Nonverbal communication/gestures (including possible cultural differences that might arise)
Paraphrasing
Eye contact
Discrimination and prejudices
Patient records/handouts and brochures
Any other pertinent information you deem important
Next, provide at least two specific scenarios that relate to dealing with others in a hospital setting, and how and why you might use the previously mentioned techniques in these scenarios. Be sure to include multiple examples from the list above. Describe how those techniques would be used in your scenarios. These examples may include conflict with a coworker, conflict with an employee, dealing with a difficult client, or having an emotional conversation with a client
Project Specifications
Your project must be submitted as a Word document (.docx, .doc)*.
Each title page should contain the following information:
The title: Veterinary Office Management Research Project
Your name
Your student number
The date your project was submitted
Each paper should be easy to read with appropriate font, double spacing, and correct spelling, grammar, and sentence and paragraph structure. You should use proper APA format for your reference page and in-text citations.
The recommended length is 2–4 pages per paper, excluding title and reference pages.
Each research paper should include at least three references. The information must be supported by trusted veterinary medical publications and websites. You can use your Penn Foster Veterinary Office Management courses for assistance, but they should not be your main source of data. Don't use sites such as Wikipedia.
If you don't have prior experience writing research papers, the Penn Foster Library offers assistance in writing a research paper and citing references.
Plagiarism is taking any part of a published piece of work and using it as your own. This also applies to those sections where you might change the wording slightly, or periodically interject personal comments. This also applies to sections in which whole paragraphs or pages were quoted from a source. Plagiarism is unacceptable at Penn Foster College. This is a reminder of the expectation to which all Penn Foster College students are held. Per your Student Handbook, students are expected to conduct themselves with the highest academic and ethical standards. Failure to do so results in disciplinary action. Be sure you're properly citing your resources in APA format.