Evaluating Communication Training at AVMA COE–Accredited Institutions and the Need to Consider Diversity within Simulated Client Pools

Abstract

The push for competency-based veterinary medical education by accrediting bodies has led to the inclusion of non-technical skills within curricula. Communication, self-awareness, and cultural humility are considered essential for post-graduate success. To facilitate skills development, veterinary educators have incorporated a variety of modalities including lecture, group discussions, virtual and peer-assisted learning, role play, video review of consultations, and simulated clients (SCs). The overarching goal is developing students into self-reflective practitioners through exposure to clinical scenarios that enhance and embody diversity. Decision making about case management is subject to stereotypes, bias, and assumptions. Racial and ethnic disparities reported in health care can adversely impact patient outcomes. This study was conducted to evaluate communication training and diversity among SC pools within veterinary colleges. A questionnaire was electronically disseminated to assistant/associate deans and/or directors of curriculum/education at 54 American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education–accredited or provisionally accredited colleges of veterinary medicine. Twenty-one institutions are represented within the data set. Participating institutions summarized their communication curricula: 18 (85.71%) used SCs. Over 55% of these did not track SC demographic data or social identities; among institutions that did track, SCs were primarily monolingual English-speaking (77%), non-disabled (94.2%), white (90.4%), non-Hispanic/Latinx (98.6%) women (57%) over age 56 (64%). Sixteen institutions agreed with the statement “I do not feel that our SC pool is adequately diverse.” Respondents shared that lack of time and capacity for recruitment were barriers to diversifying SC pools and proposed strategies to improve outreach.

Recasting the gold standard – part I of II: delineating healthcare options across a continuum of care

“…According to the Census Bureau, the population within the USA is expected to increase by 1.8 million people per year. 109 Within that population explosion, the USA is likely to see its population aged 65+ years double in size. In addition, the USA also faces a shift toward increasing populations of racial and ethnic groups.…”

“…According to the US Census Bureau, roughly one out of every four people were non-white in 2004. 109 , 110 Projections predict that by the year 2050 one out of every two people will be non-white. This prediction suggests that those who are currently in the minority could become the majority within the next 25 years.…”

“…This prediction suggests that those who are currently in the minority could become the majority within the next 25 years. 109 The rise in diversity of age, race and ethnicity within veterinary clientele is a vital reminder that clients are unique and require a tailored approach that elicits their perspective, and acknowledges and addresses their values, goals and expectations for care. Spectrum of care not only makes room for this diversity, it embraces diversity through the recognition that clients, patients and care options all span a continuum for which there is no carbon copy.…”