The proof behind the value of veterinary client communication

As a medical type, you appreciate scientific proof. The following studies show just how much strong communication can benefit clients, pets, and you.

1. In human medicine, the more people like their doctors, the more likely they are to believe they've received high-quality healthcare.

Clark PA. "Medical practices' sensitivity to patients' needs: Opportunities and practices for improvement," Journal of Ambulatory Care Management 2003;26:110-123.

2. Consumer satisfaction levels have an impact on clinical outcomes. Basically, people who like their doctors do better medically.

Stewart M, Brown JB et al. "The impact of patient-centered care on outcomes," Journal of Family Practice 2000;49:796-804; Teutsch C. "Patient-doctor communication," Medical Clinics of North America 2003;87:1115-1145.

3. Effective doctor-patient communication improves diagnostic accuracy, health status (blood pressure, blood glucose levels, stress levels, pain tolerance, and so on), adherence rates, and patient satisfaction. What's more, it decreases malpractice risk.

Bayer Animal Health Communication Project, Institute for Healthcare Communication; Baile WF, Aaron J. "Patient-physician communication in oncology: Past, present, and future," Current Opinion in Oncology 2005;17:331-335.

4. Estimates from human medicine show that 50 percent of patients can't recall healthcare instructions. Only 70 percent of the people who do remember the doctor's instructions actually follow them. Veterinarians overestimate adherence, with estimates of heartworm prevention, dental prophylaxis, and therapeutic nutrition at 70 percent, 54 percent, and 75 percent respectively. The truth: Actual adherence is 48 percent, 35 percent, and 19 percent.

"The path to high-quality care: Practical tips for improving compliance," American Animal Hospital Association, 2003.

5. From a multitude of characteristics that pet owners want in their veterinarian, the top is kindness and gentleness. Number two is that he or she be respectful and informative, and number three is a reputation for high-quality care. Price is number nine in importance.

Brown JP, Silverman JD. "The current and future market for veterinarians and veterinary medical services in the United States," Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1999;215:161-183.