Topics discussed, examinations performed and strategies implemented during canine and feline booster vaccination consultations

Abstract

Vaccination consultations account for a large proportion of the small animal veterinary caseload. The aim of this study was to determine the content of canine and feline booster vaccination consultations and gather opinions on strategies used to optimise these consultations. An online survey of UK veterinarians was conducted. Respondents were asked about the clinical examination performed and the topics discussed during vaccination consultations, as well as any strategies used to optimise these consultations. Finally, respondents were asked about the practicality and effectiveness of various potential strategies. A total of 662 responses were received. Most respondents always auscultated the chest during vaccination consultations (n=603/621, 97.1% canine consultations; n=587/610, 96.2% feline consultations). Microchipping was discussed more frequently during canine versus feline consultations (P<0.001). Over half of respondents (n=323/597; 54.1%) had tried strategies to optimise consultations, with supplementary reading material tried most frequently (n=203/597; 34.0%). There were a range of opinions around practicality and effectiveness of these strategies. The results from this novel study suggest that vaccination consultations vary in terms of the clinical examination performed, topics discussed and strategies used to optimise the consultation. This study has implications for practice by identifying potential ways to maximise the benefits of vaccination consultations.

Developing practical recommendations for preventative healthcare consultations involving dogs and cats using a Delphi technique

“…Veterinary surgeon inclusion criteria were: (A) veterinary surgeon respondents to an earlier survey about dog and cat booster consultations 7 who had consented to be contacted about future research and had provided a valid email address; (B) who were currently working in the UK in a practice where they were performing PHCs; and (C) who were on an adjusted pro rata basis performing at least 35 dog and/or cat booster consultations per 40‐hour working week. To calculate this latter figure, data on average hours worked per week and average number of PHCs conducted per week were extracted from data provided during the survey and used to calculate an adjusted number of consultations per 40‐hour week (by calculating: (40/average hours worked per week) × the number of consultations per week).…”

“…Recommendations to be used in the Delphi technique were derived from three data sources: a systematic review to identify measures of success for canine and feline PHCs 16 ; transcripts of interviews with pet owners and veterinary surgeons about PHCs 3 4 30 31 ; and a survey of veterinary surgeons about what currently happens during booster consultations. 7 Each of the data sources were comprehensively reviewed, and a list of statements was developed. Any data that suggested an improvement that could be made to any aspect of the owner or veterinary surgeon experience of attending or delivering a PHC was eligible for inclusion in a statement.…”

“…Veterinary surgeon inclusion criteria were: (A) veterinary surgeon respondents to an earlier survey about dog and cat booster consultations 7 who had consented to be contacted about future research and had provided a valid email address; (B) who were currently working in the UK in a practice where they were performing PHCs; and (C) who were on an adjusted pro rata basis performing at least 35 Eligible participants were contacted by email to ask if they would be interested in being involved in an anonymous online panel to develop recommendations to improve dog and cat PHCs. The email included a link to a short online questionnaire (SurveyMonkey) to collect the respondents' name, role in the practice, practice type and preferred email address.…”

“…4 Suggestions have been proposed to improve the consistency and value of these consultations for clients, including the use of checklists 5 and promotion of pet health plans. 6 A recent survey confirmed that a wide range of strategies are being tried by veterinary surgeons in UK practices, 7 but work has not yet been done to determine their effectiveness.…”

Compliance von Hunde- und Katzenbesitzern in der Gesundheitsvorsorge

“…In einer Studie gaben 34 % der Tierärzte an, Besitzern unterstützend zur Beratung schriftliche Informationen zu Auffrischungsimpfungen mitzugeben. Knapp 17 % der Tierärzte hielten diese Materialien für sehr praktisch, konnten aber nicht sicher einschätzen, ob diese positive Auswirkungen auf die Compliance der Besitzer haben [58]. Schriftliche Materialien sollten verständlich formuliert sein.…”