With the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions contributing to major changes in veterinary practice, researchers have undertaken a global survey of 540 veterinarians, veterinary nurses and animal health technicians to highlight the impact of the pandemic on communication in veterinary clinical practice.

Some of the communication challenges experienced by veterinary team members included:

• Lack of face-to-face contact with clients
• Increased difficulty in communicating in general
• Inability to demonstrate physical examination, diagnostic findings or treatment information to clients
• Difficulty in communicating while wearing personal protective equipment
• Increased ‘miscommunication’ and challenges in convincing clients of the importance of pandemic-associated protocols

The research findings suggest a need for veterinary teams to modify and adapt their communication strategies to facilitate effective communication where social distancing and non-contact consultations are required. Read more