Veterinary communication skills curriculum at Murdoch University

Authors: Mills JN, Bell M
Publication: Proceedings of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) Annual Conferences, Volume 2014 AVA Annual Conference, Perth, Issue Education, May 2014
Publisher: Australian Veterinary Association

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Abstract: Effective communication and consultation skills are considered essential Day One professional competencies for the veterinary graduate. This presentation, to be delivered jointly by Dr Jenny Mills and Dr Melinda Bell, will give an overview of the current communication skills curriculum available to undergraduate veterinary students at Murdoch University. Simulated client scenarios were originally introduced within two senior clinical rotations in 2007/8; the curriculum is now included in all 5 years of the veterinary course. The program involves a variety of educational methodologies, from client simulations, skills rehearsals of challenging situations (expressing empathy, grief & euthanasia, diagnostic dilemmas, financial issues, etc) and consideration of cultural perspectives, to reflections and supervised consultations with authentic clients. The genesis and evolution of this evidence-based curriculum will be reviewed briefly, along with the challenges of implementation and integration within the existing broader curriculum. The strengths and weaknesses of the assessment of communication skills, both theoretical and practical including OSCEs, will be outlined, and plans for further refinement of both skills acquisition and assessment will be discussed.

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