Communication Beyond the Client

Introduction

Whilst communication between the veterinary professional and the client is a key issue, the communication that needs to be undertaken in areas beyond the client is also of paramount importance. The veterinary professional may often need to represent their profession in a variety of situations, as well as being adept at communicating with other agents and organisations as part of their daily work.

Key Areas

Inter-professional

• other professions
• practice teams
• laboratories (DEFRA,VLA etc)
• insurance companies
• drug companies

Intra-professional

• 2nd opinions and referrals (acting as the referring and/or the referral practice)
• presenting at veterinary conferences
• writing journal articles

Society

• public meetings
• press articles
• pressure groups
• careers talks
• open days
• practice literature

Para-professionals

Organisations

• Government departments
• animal welfare charities
• professional bodies
• pressure groups

Animal carers/producers

• yard staff
• stockpersons
• kennel/cattery staff
• breeders
• markets
• pet shops

Client associated/agents

• relatives
• joint owners
• trainers/riders
• carers
• interpreters
• livery/boarding owners
• transporters