The dynamic and fast-paced realm of healthcare frequently revolves around human well-being, occasionally overshadowing another vital discipline—veterinary medicine. This field addresses the health challenges of animals, ranging from the smallest pets to the largest species, unveiling a complex and fascinating world. In this context, managing health information proves essential for immediate care, advancement in veterinary practices, and ongoing research.

The meticulous handling of health data in veterinary medicine paves the way for groundbreaking treatments, deepening our understanding of animal diseases and fostering a more integrated approach to ensuring data integrity and quality. Among the few HIM (Health Information Management) professionals in the veterinary medicine field, Lisa Paul stands out. Serving as an experienced Health Information Analyst, Lisa is responsible for ensuring documentation accuracy, providing reports for clinical and operational needs, and streamlining data reporting processes.

I had the opportunity to connect with Lisa over Zoom, delving into her role as a Health Information Analyst and how she navigates the complexities of health data when dealing with our four-legged companions. Join us as we explore how HIM professionals like Lisa Paul apply their knowledge, skills, and abilities to the field of veterinary medicine.

Kelly Wilson: Good morning, Lisa. Thank you for sitting down with me today. Can you introduce yourself and share what inspired you to become a health information management professional in veterinary medicine?

Lisa Paul: Good morning. I ventured into the HIM field through the Health Record Administration Program at NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology). I knew that I wanted to work in the medical field but without direct patient care. Having always had a love for animals, I quickly seized the opportunity when it presented itself!

Kelly Wilson: Can you explain how your role as a Health Information Analyst in veterinary medicine relates to the role of an HIM?

Lisa Paul: In veterinary medicine, HIM professionals are rare, numbering only a few nationally. Health Information Analysts view data from a multi-faceted perspective, analyzing data accuracy, extracting information, and ensuring completeness and timeliness. My role encompasses both clinical and educational aspects.

Kelly Wilson: What does a typical day look like, and what types of data do you collect?

Lisa Paul: I run reports to ensure documentation accuracy and for clinical and operational needs. I handle the release of information requests from a multitude of sources and conduct quality analysis on charts. The data I collect include clinician names, animal breeds, sex, age, admission and discharge dates, diagnoses, and procedures.

Kelly Wilson: What are the emerging trends in data analysis and technology in veterinary medicine?

Lisa Paul: Currently, we use an in-house veterinary software to capture data real-time in the clinic and to generate our analysis and reporting. We are exploring technologies like tablets to collect information in the future.

Kelly Wilson: Do you believe the role of HIM professionals in veterinary medicine will expand?

Lisa Paul: Definitely! With only a few teaching hospitals in Canada having HIMs, there’s potential for growth, especially in private practices.

Kelly Wilson: Are there any issues in veterinary sciences you’re passionate about solving through data analysis?

Lisa Paul: I’d like to see more research on pet nutrition and its effects on pet health, particularly in conditions like feline idiopathic cystitis. I think HIMs play an essential role in improving animal healthcare and outcomes.

Kelly Wilson: Thank you, Lisa, for sharing your insights and experiences with us today.

As I concluded my conversation with Lisa, I was struck by her passion and dedication. Lisa’s career path highlights how every animal’s medical data holds as much importance as their human counterparts. The role of health information professionals extends beyond the typical human clinical settings, reaching into the realm of veterinary medicine. This intersection of health care and animal welfare underscores the evolving scope of health informatics. Lisa’s work exemplifies how Health Information Management professionals are crucial across diverse sectors.

Biography

Lisa Paul, CHIM (Certified Health Information Management), Health Information Analyst at the Veterinary Medical Centre at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Saskatchewan.