Communication about complementary and alternative veterinary medicine : the clients view
| Autor: | Pia Keller, Annelies Decloedt |
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| Jazyk: | angličtina |
| Rok vydání: | 2022 |
| Předmět: | |
| Zdroj: | Abstracts European veterinary conference voorjaarsdagen 2022 Ghent University Academic Bibliography |
| Popis: | Introduction Popularity of the use of complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM) is growing. Therefore communication about CAVM with the veterinarian is of great importance. Non-disclosure of CAVM use may be harmful for horses’ health and wellbeing since not all CAVM treatments are evidence-based. The aim of this study was to explore horse owners’ opinions and experiences regarding disclosure of CAVM use. Material and Methods Qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews with 26 Flemish horse owners, including users and non-users of CAVM. Participants were selected from the list of participants of a previous survey. Results Several participants did not disclose CAVM use to their veterinarian. Indicated reasons were on the one hand: no expected risks, failure of conventional treatments and a self-confident, determined owner. On the other hand the veterinarian’s age, behaviour and knowledge played a role, as well as veterinarian-client relationship and communication. Time constraint during consultations was also indicated. Some owners stated that their veterinarian avoided the subject and they would have preferred the vet to start the conversation about CAVM. Owners indicated that communication without negative reactions and an informed vet would make disclosure of CAVM use easier. Most owners did not expect vets to apply CAVM, however they expected some knowledge and advice concerning CAVM, including the risks. Owners also indicated the need for close collaboration between the veterinarian and CAVM therapist. Discussion/Conclusion Based on the reasons for non-disclosure on the owners’ side, veterinarians could improve disclosure by improving their knowledge about CAVM, initiating the conversation about CAVM and educating clients about possible therapies, risks and side-effects in a neutral, non-judgmental manner, even if they are not in favour of a certain treatment. A follow-up study is needed to assess veterinarians’ opinions on this topic. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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