Challenges of the Calgary–Cambridge Consultation Guide in Veterinary Multicultural and Multilingual Scenarios and the Role of Veterinary Translators

Abstract

The Calgary–Cambridge Guide is a widely recognised framework for teaching communication skills to healthcare professionals that has become a cornerstone of communication training programs in medicine and other healthcare fields. In the context of veterinary medicine, its integration into communication training programs has become an asset improving communication, education, interaction, and quality of service, enhancing the veterinary–client–patient relationship (VCPR). In veterinary medicine, however, a more challenging consultation dynamic involves the veterinarian, the owner, and the animal. The addition of a veterinary assistant that acts as an interpreter or translator is common in Hong Kong where the native language (Cantonese) coexists with English when consultations are led by non-native language speakers. This addition converts this commonly dyadic model into a triadic communication model. The addition of an assistant interpreter influences the way consultations are conducted, how information is conveyed, and how interpersonal cues and empathy are delivered. In this report we depict challenges applying the Calgary–Cambridge Guide in multicultural and multilingual veterinary medical centres in Hong Kong and highlight the role of veterinary supporting staff in these scenarios, specifically veterinary assistant interpreters.