1037. More records and responsibilities

Yesterday, Monday, August 14, 2012 at 7 pm, I stopped any consultation and had another talk with Drs Daniel and Vanessa regarding the need to keep proper records in cases of complaints, investigation, litigation as Singaporeans are becoming more litigious. So, we have the inpatient, outpatient, surgical and anaesthetic records and the hospitalisation records.

"In the past, there would just be the one case card recording "everything", but now, this is not sufficient," I said. "The veterinary authorities do have public complaints when the pet dies and so proper records are a good defence. Otherwise, your licence may be suspended or revoked."

In management, it takes many times to speak to the associate vets about changes in the work process. Unfortunately, there is no other way to get new changes executed. Each vet now has his or her own anaesthetic records which they are responsible and will be documentary evidence in cases of litigation. So, the vet has to maintain meticulous records and I will be auditing them. This process improves the standard of care as human nature is such that, the less work, the better.