The shortage of skilled professionals remains a persistent challenge for the German economy. According to economic forecasts by the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) and surveys conducted by the Bertelsmann Foundation, many of the companies surveyed expect continued shortages of qualified personnel in 2024.

One of the key causes of the ongoing shortage of skilled workers is Germany’s aging population. Current projections indicate that over the next ten years, the number of working-age individuals will decline by nearly 4 million, dropping to just under 46 million.

More and more clinics are discontinuing emergency services

This development has not spared the veterinary sector either: Although the number of students enrolled at veterinary universities remains consistently high, many practices today struggle to find qualified professionals. This is especially true for rural and structurally weak regions.

Another clear sign of the shortage is the decreasing willingness of veterinarians to take on night and weekend emergency shifts in clinics. As a result, many clinics are forced to discontinue emergency services and give up their clinic status. Between 2015 and 2020, the number of small animal clinics in Germany offering 24-hour care dropped by nearly 60 percent—from 161 to just 68 clinics.

Work-life balance, a positive work environment, fair pay, and job security are top priorities for many professionals. However, according to a survey by Bitkom, nearly half of respondents now also expect modern technical equipment in the workplace. This expectation is particularly strong among the ‘internet generation’ (those born from 1980 onward), who are used to integrating social media, messaging apps, mobile applications, and high-performance devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops into their everyday lives.

Digital technologies are essential for younger generations

According to the Bitkom survey, 91 percent of respondents stated that digital technologies play an important role in their daily work. For more than 75 percent, these technologies are essential to getting their jobs done. And around two-thirds of those surveyed even said that using digital tools increases their motivation.

The use of practice management software in combination with powerful hardware and network technology has become standard in most veterinary practices today. However, tasks such as recording and maintaining client, patient, and treatment data, scheduling appointments, electronically exchanging lab results, integrating medical devices, or managing inventory are primarily aimed at streamlining internal practice workflows.

Digitalization: Boosting staff satisfaction

However, digitalization should not be limited to optimizing internal workflows. There is significant potential in improving client communication – which can also boost staff satisfaction. It starts with online appointment scheduling, which, according to a Bitkom survey, is now desired by around 60 percent of clients. The more clients book appointments online, fill out registration forms digitally, and transfer all relevant information directly into your practice management system, the more time you and your team have to focus on your patients. With fewer phone calls and less manual data entry, the workday becomes noticeably more relaxed.

Once the client arrives at the practice or clinic, the process can continue with an electronic self-check-in. Instead of waiting in line at the front desk, the client notifies you of their arrival via smartphone or tablet. This gives your clients the flexibility to choose where they wait before the appointment—somewhere nearby and convenient. Meanwhile, you receive all necessary forms, such as the registration and medical history forms as well as the GDPR consent form, digitally completed and transferred directly into your practice management software.

Electronic medical records: efficient and expected

After the appointment, you can send selected treatment information – such as lab results, X-rays, exam reports, or medication instructions – directly to the electronic patient record. This saves time and resources, as there’s no need to print documents or burn them to a CD. According to surveys by Bitkom and Statista, more than 70 percent of respondents are interested in this kind of digital service.

And finally, you can send the invoice to your clients just as efficiently – allowing them to make a cashless payment via smartphone or tablet before even leaving the practice.

Send reminders digitally

Reminders for upcoming vaccinations, important follow-up exams, or timely medication administration are sent automatically and paperlessly – saving your team from having to manually send emails or postcards to clients.

And if your clients don’t have time for an in-person visit to your practice or clinic, simply offer them an online consultation via video chat.

All of this is already possible today and can be implemented by any practice or clinic – regardless of size – without special expertise or major investment in hardware or software.