title: Qualitative study of the communication expectations of clients accessing oncology care at a tertiary referral center for dogs with life-limiting cancer.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the process aspects (communication) of the information expectations of clients accessing oncology care services at a tertiary referral center for dogs with life-limiting cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative analysis of data acquired during in-person single and dyadic interviews.
  
  
  METHODS
  43 dog owners participating in 30 interviews.
  
  
  METHODS
  Independent in-person interviews were conducted with standardized open- and closed-ended questions from April to October 2009. Thematic analysis was performed on transcripts of the interview discussions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The participants expected information to be communicated in a forthright manner; in multiple formats; with understandable language; in an unrushed environment wherein staff took the time to listen, answer all questions, and repeat information when necessary; on a continuous basis, with 24-hour access to address questions or concerns; in a timely manner; with positivity; with compassion and empathy; with a nonjudgmental attitude; and through staff with whom they had established relationships.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results indicated that the manner in which information is communicated is vitally important to clients of dogs with life-limiting cancer in that it not only facilitates comprehension but also creates a humanistic environment from which clients derive the psychosocial support needed to successfully cope with their pet's condition.
authors.affiliation: Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
authors.forename: Debbie L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Stoewen
authors.forename: Jason B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Coe
authors.forename: Clare
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: MacMartin
authors.forename: Elizabeth A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Stone
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: E Dewey
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D001841:Human-Animal Bond; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D010067:Ownership; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D018634:Veterinarians; D014730:Veterinary Medicine / Q000592:standards
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents