Dealing with complaints and competence issues

For veterinarians, the possibility of adverse events and complaints being laid with the Veterinary Council is always  present. As technology advances and clients’ expectations rise, veterinarians’ work becomes increasingly sophisticated  and complex and the scope for human error increases. Those complaints received by the Council with some basis often involve an element of underperformance by the veterinarian concerned. Poor communication skills, lack of informed  consent, delays in diagnosis/ failure to diagnose and other competence concerns are common themes.  This Perspective discusses trends in professional regulation, the Council’s current approach to dealing with complaints and competence issues, and strategies for reducing adverse events and complaints...