title: Enhanced communication by developing a non-anxious presence: a key attribute for the successful veterinarian.
abstract: In the recent past much has been written about non-technical skills in veterinary medical education. This dialogue has focused extensively on competence in behaviorally based communication skills for successful veterinary practice. Other relationship-based communication skills are also useful in communication, such as self-awareness, flexibility, non-judgment (compassion), and being present. All of these relationally based skills are present in the concept of non-anxious presence. This article will review the history of the term ''non-anxious presence'' (NAP), discuss a proposed model of NAP for the veterinary medical environment, and review some methods useful in teaching NAP in veterinary medical education.
authors.affiliation: Veterinary Social Work, University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine/College of Social Work, Knoxville, 37996-4543, USA.estrand@utk.edu
authors.forename: Elizabeth B
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Strand
mesh_terms: D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology; D003142:Communication; D004520:Education, Veterinary; D006801:Humans; D011361:Professional Competence; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology*; D018634:Veterinarians / Q000523:psychology*; D014730:Veterinary Medicine