Introduction/Background:
Recent studies show veterinarians perceive communication as a most important competence; organizations overseeing veterinary medical education now mandate inclusion of communication.  What is the impact on practice?

Objectives :
This pilot project implemented an environmental scan of veterinarians’ use of 58 evidence-based communication skills during live consultations to gain insight regarding how veterinarians use these skills and to inform decisions regarding veterinary communication curricula and continuing education needs.

Methods :
Two observers experienced in the Calgary-Cambridge method simultaneously observed primary care consultations (companion animal practices, rural and urban).  During each consultation observers recorded field notes regarding the first 58 skills on the Calgary-Cambridge Guides. After iterative analysis of notes, observers discussed and assigned mutually agreed ratings for each skill as demonstrated in each consultation: 0 no attempt, 1 weak, 2 ‘yes but’, 3 well done; or not applicable, not observed, insufficient data to rate. Means were calculated for ratings of each skill across all 47 consultations and for each consultation across the 58 skills.

Findings and Discussion:
Convenience sample: 47 consultations, 32 veterinarians Ratings of each skill: Mean rating <1.00 for 6 skills, 1.00-1.99 for 24 skills, 2.00-3.00 for 28 skills. Means for individual consultations ranged from 1.02 – 2.91/3.0 with a population mean of 1.92/3.0 and median of 1.96/3.0. We describe skill-use strengths and weaknesses within initiation, information gathering, relationship building, structuring, explanation/planning, and closing and how skills that were demonstrated poorly are skills that research identifies as central to accuracy, adherence, follow-through, and improved outcomes of care. We discuss potential implications for education, research, and practice.   



Authors:
Kurtz, Suzanne1*, DeBowes, Richard M.2  
1. Dept. Veterinary Clinical Sciences and Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA   2. Dept. Veterinary Clinical Sciences and Dean’s Area, Washington State University, Pullman WA, USA