McDermott, Michael P, Tischler, Victoria ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0086-1906, Cobb, Michael, Robbe, I J and Dean, Rachel (2015) Veterinarian-client communication skills: current state, relevance, and opportunities for improvement. Journal of Veterinary Medical Education, 42 (4).

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Abstract

Communication is increasingly recognized as a core skill for veterinary practitioners, and in recent years, attention to communication competency and skills training has increased. To gain an up-to-date assessment of the current state of veterinary communication skills and training, we conducted a survey among veterinary practitioners in the United Kingdom and United States in 2012/2013. The questionnaire was used to assess the current state, relevance, and adequacy of veterinary communication skills among veterinary practitioners, to assess interest in further training, and to understand perceived challenges in communicating with clients. There was an overall response rate of 29.6% (1,774 of 6,000 recipients), with a higher response rate for UK-based practitioners (39.7%) than practitioners in the US (19.5%). Ninety-eight percent of respondents agreed that communication skills were as important as or more important than clinical knowledge. Forty-one percent of respondents had received formal veterinary communication skills training during veterinary school, and 47% had received training post-graduation. Thirty-five percent said their veterinary communication skills training during veterinary school prepared them well or very well for communicating with clients about the health of their pets, compared to 61% of those receiving post-graduate training. Forty percent said they would be interested in further veterinary communication skills training, with the preferred methods being simulated consultations and online training. While there has been increased emphasis on communication skills training during and after veterinary school, there is a need for more relevant and accessible training.

Item Type:	Article
Identifier:	10.3138/jvme.0115-006R
Keywords:	veterinarian–client communication, veterinary communication skills training, importance of communication skills, sensitive topics, core clinical skills, client satisfaction
Subjects:	Medicine and health
Related URLs:	Publisher
Depositing User:	Victoria Tischler
Date Deposited:	22 Mar 2018 15:21
Last Modified:	06 Feb 2024 15:56
URI:	https://repository.uwl.ac.uk/id/eprint/4764

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