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COVID-19 – Measures and actions taken by Sowar Medical
17 Oct, 2020

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues through the winter, many practices will return to using curbside check-in. When case numbers rose in the spring, a survey from the American Veterinary Medical Association found that 98% of practices limited client contact, with 84% moving to curbside care. Then, cases dipped in the warmer summer months and some practices began allowing clients back in the building.
But now, with infection numbers on the rise again, and stricter state mandates in effect, many practices will be forced to send their team members back and forth from the parking lot to check clients in for appointments throughout the winter months. While this may not pose an issue for temperate states (you may be a little more jealous of Floridians this year), much of the country is facing a challenging winter season. So, what are the best practices for winter curbside check-in, and how can you ensure your business stays productive and profitable?
You’ve likely already learned a great deal about curbside check-in, as you figured out what did and didn’t work through the spring and adapted your protocols accordingly. Use what you’ve learned to improve your clients’ and team’s curbside experience through the winter.
If it has been months since you tackled curbside care, dig out those protocols and update them for the winter. For example, if you used numbered parking spots to identify clients, ensure you have winter-proof signs that will withstand wind and snow.
Curbside care has shown that finding new ways to build relationships with your clients is essential and that high-quality client services are even more important when you can’t see clients face to face. Consider what you can do to make the curbside experience as stress-free as possible for your clients. Maybe you can partner with a local taxi service to transport pets to and from appointments so their owners can stay in their warm homes. Or, offer coffee and hot chocolate to owners waiting in their cars. Your clients will appreciate anything you do to make it easier.
Identify the specific challenges your practice will face with winter curbside check-in, and brainstorm solutions before the snowstorm hits. For example, consider the following:
As you use curbside services to pick up groceries or check in at your doctor’s office, notice how they approach curbside challenges. With so many industries offering curbside conveniences these days, there are surely lessons to be learned. For example, doctors’ offices may send text messages days prior to appointments with updates regarding safety and sanitation protocols.
Are you also communicating with your clients before the appointment so they know what to expect? If clients think they can come inside, they may be unprepared for a long wait in their car.
Technology can make curbside check-in more efficient and streamlined for your team and clients. Winter curbside must-haves include the following:
Now that winter has arrived, use these best practices to keep your team and clients safe and healthy while providing much-needed care.
Source: practicelife.com