Veterinarian-client-patient communication patterns used during clinical appointments in companion animal practice.
OBJECTIVE
To identify communication patterns used by veterinarians during clinical appointments in companion animal practice.


METHODS
Cross-sectional descriptive study.


METHODS
A random sample of 50 companion animal practitioners in southern Ontario and a convenience sample of 300 clients and their pets.


METHODS
For each practitioner, 6 clinical appointments (3 wellness appointments and 3 appointments related to a health problem) were videotaped. The Roter interaction analysis system was used to analyze the resulting 300 videotapes, and cluster analysis was used to identify veterinarian communication patterns.


RESULTS
175 (58%) appointments were classified as having a biomedical communication pattern, and 125 (42%) were classified as having a biolifestyle-social communication pattern. None were classified as having a consumerist communication pattern. Twentythree (46%) veterinarians were classified as using a predominantly biomedical communication pattern, 19 (38%) were classified as using a mixed communication pattern, and 8 (16%) were classified as using a predominantly biolifestyle-social communication pattern. Pattern use was related to the type of appointment. Overall, 103 (69%) wellness appointments were classified as biolifestyle-social and 127 (85%) problem appointments were classified as biomedical. Appointments with a biomedical communication pattern (mean, 11.98 minutes) were significantly longer than appointments with a biolifestyle-social communication pattern (10.43 minutes). Median relationship-centered care score (ie, the ratio of client-centered talk to veterinarian-centered talk) was significantly higher during appointments with a biolifestyle-social communication pattern (1.10) than during appointments with a biomedical communication pattern (0.40).


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that veterinarians in companion animal practice use 2 distinct patterns of communication. Communication pattern was associated with duration of visit, type of appointment, and relationship-centeredness. Recognition of these communication patterns has implications for veterinary training and client and patient outcomes.
Shaw
Jane R
JR
Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
Bonnett
Brenda N
BN
Adams
Cindy L
CL
Roter
Debra L
DL
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D003142:Communication; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009864:Ontario; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010358:Patient Participation; D013997:Time Factors; D018634:Veterinarians / Q000523:psychology*; D014730:Veterinary Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D014743:Videotape Recording