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Veterinary communication is a core clinical skill and is believed to have a positive impact on client satisfaction, trust and adherence to patient management recommendations. Veterinary communication skills training has therefore been incorporated into veterinary undergraduate and postgraduate education. This thesis focuses on the topic of veterinary communication and comprises two studies. The aim of the first study was to gain a current understanding of the state, adequacy, and relevance of veterinary communication skills and training in the United Kingdom (UK) and United States of America (USA). The aim of the second study was to assess several factors that may impact on communication dynamics during a consultation.

The findings in this thesis support the contention that communication skills are important for veterinary practitioners. The work also highlights the need for making communication training a priority in undergraduate veterinary education and an accessible and relevant component of postgraduate [continuing professional development] CPD. The findings also suggest a need to equip veterinary students and practitioners for communication during consultations that are relatively complex with highly iterative flow between topics, as well as for addressing emotions and inviting input of clients. Elements of the GCCVM and other models may help provide a framework for training in these competencies.

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