Client Perception = Your Reality

Communication and Professionalism

Abstract

Despite a consensus of the importance of technical competence in veterinary care, clients rate the most important characteristics for choosing a veterinarian to be the ability to communicate understanding, compassion, and respect, and provide information in clear and simple language. Similarly, veterinarians value the importance of communication skills as necessary for practice success, yet many veterinarians state inadequate training in this area.

Providing quality animal care involves more than just technical competency. Regardless of the health care needs of the patient, clear and compassionate communication on the part of the veterinary team is critical to enhancing the overall experience for both animal and client, before, during and after the clinical visit. Effective communication is considered to be the essence of quality veterinary care and one of the necessary skills required in clinical practice and expected by clients.