Expectations of Graduate Communication Skills in Professional Veterinary Practice

Abstract

Good communication skills are an important entry-level attribute of graduates of professional degrees. The inclusion of communication training within the curriculum can be problematic, particularly in programs with a high content load, such as veterinary science. This study examined the differences between the perceptions of students and qualified veterinarians with regards to the entry-level communication skills required of new graduates in clinical practice. Surveys were distributed to students in each of the four year levels of the veterinary science degree at the University of Melbourne and to recent graduates and experienced veterinarians registered in Victoria, Australia. Respondents were asked to rank the relative importance of six different skill sets: knowledge base; medical and technical skills; surgical skills; verbal communication and interpersonal skills; written communication skills; and critical thinking and problem solving. They were then asked to rate the importance of specific communication skills for new graduate veterinarians. Veterinarians and students ranked verbal communication and interpersonal skills as the most important skill set for an entry-level veterinarian. Veterinarians considered many new graduates to be deficient in these skills. Students often felt they lacked confidence in this area. This has important implications for veterinary educators in terms of managing the expectations of students and improving the delivery of communication skills courses within the veterinary curriculum.

An integrated review of the role of communication in veterinary clinical practice

“…Despite the importance of maintaining effective communication and sufficient information exchange for different stakeholders throughout the diagnosis and treatment of animals, there is a lack of appropriate measures to tackle issues in these matters. The review supports the findings of [15,18], and shows that systematic communication education is absent in the existing veterinary curriculum. Although studies such as McDermott's [13] and Jackson's [7] have explored the possible future approaches, it is obvious that the current curriculum is not yet well developed and adequate, likely resulting in communication challenges for veterinarians in their practice.…”

“…Researchers have suggested that a systematic approach of teaching effective communication skills should be included in the veterinary education curriculum. The importance of communication skill education has been highlighted by Haldane et al [15], whose study indicates that both veterinary practitioners and students ranked verbal communication and interpersonal skills as the most vital abilities for potential veterinary practitioners hoping to join the industry. Moreover, in English speaking countries, the Calgary-Cambridge model is adopted in all veterinary institutions to strengthen the communication skills of the students and consequently improve the outcomes for clients [16].…”

“…However, many important communication topics remain missing from the existing veterinary education curriculum, such as ways to provide social support to clients who have lost their pets [18]. Additionally, recent research reveals that communication training in veterinary education is lacking, especially in content-heavy programmes [15], and has revealed that some veterinary students and practitioners possess inadequate communication skills in clinical encounters. Multiple studies have also stressed the need for post-educational training to enhance veterinary practitioners' clinical communication skills [13,19,20].…”

Perceptions of small animal practitioners and pet owners on professional competencies in veterinary practice: an essential component for curricula design

“…Not many studies take gender into account when looking at these "professional skills in veterinarians". 20,21 Nevertheless, it has been reported that female veterinary students have higher expectations of themselves and feel they need to outperform by holding to stricter standards than men. 8,22,23 For example, Kogan et al 8 reported that female veterinary students scored significantly higher than men in those characteristics that defined a successful veterinary student.…”

Surgical and Behavioral Relationships With Welfare

“…It is necessary, however, to be able to obtain consent in a more truncated fashion in an emergency, where shared decision making may not be at the forefront of the process. Training in successful communication has received more attention in veterinary schools as of late, and is listed as highly sought after by veterinary employers (11).…”