| OBJECTIVE: To describe how Colleges of Veterinary Medicine in North America deliver communication curricula. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study SAMPLE POPULATION: 31 North American Colleges of Veterinary Medicine completed the survey. PROCEDURES: A 38-item survey instrument was designed to gather data about the communication framework, course format, curricular hours, delivery method, staffing models, outcomes assessment, faculty background, train-the-trainer education, and curricular priorities. The survey was administered online with follow-up phone interview. RESULTS: The response rate was 89% (31/35), and there is a large degree of variability in how communication is taught. Eight-four percent (26/31) of the CVMs used the Calgary-Cambridge Guide framework. CVMs delivered on average 33 (range 2-99 hours, SD 20.8) contact hours of required communication curriculum, primarily during the first 3 years, using lecture, communication laboratory and self-study formats, and assessed students through formative feedback. In 90% (28/31) of the CVM’s communication was integrated with other disciplines or service areas. At most CVM’s the communication curricula was taught by one faculty member with 0.50 full-time equivalent without administrative support, and on average 7 trained faculty coaches (range 0-50, SD = 10). CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Overall, respondents reported growing support for the communication curriculum, and students recognized the importance and value of communication skills education. The wish-list items were four-fold: resources for hiring faculty, obtaining administrative support and building video-equipped facilities; increased curriculum integration to address limited resources; the need for assessing educational outcomes and fluctuating influences of college leadership and decision-makers. Author:
SHAW, Jane, DVM, PhD Associate Professor Veterinary Communication for Professional Excellence College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Colorado State University 300 West Drake Road Fort Collins, CO 80525 jane.shaw@colostate.edu |