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OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare veterinary professionals' use of shared decision-making during companion animal appointments. DESIGN: Multi-practice cross-sectional study. SAMPLE: A purposive sample of 4 companion animal veterinary clinics in a group practice in Texas. PROCEDURES: A convenience sample of veterinary appointments were recorded January to March 2018 and audio-recordings were analyzed using the Observer OPTIONS instrument to assess shared decision-making. Each decision was categorized by veterinary professional involvement. RESULTS: A total of 76/85 (89%) appointments included at least 1 decision between the client and veterinary professional(s), with a total of 129 shared decisions. Decisions that involved both a veterinary technician and veterinarian scored significantly higher for elements of shared decision-making (OPTIONS = 29.5 + 8.4; n = 46), than veterinarian-only decisions (OPTIONS = 25.4 + 11.50; P = .040; n = 63), and veterinary technician-only decisions (OPTION5 = 22.5 + 7.15; P = .001; n = 20). Specific elements of shared decision-making that differed significantly based on veterinary professional involvement included educating the client about options (OPTION5 Item 3; P = .0041) and integrating the client's preference (OPTION5 Item 5; P = .0010). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Findings suggest that clients are more involved in decision making related to their pet's health care when both the veterinary technician and veterinarian communicate with the client. Veterinary technicians' communication significantly enhanced client engagement in decision-making when working collaboratively with the veterinarian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To assess the impact of a 15-month, in-practice communication skills intervention on client visit satisfaction. SAMPLE 4 purposely selected veterinary clinics, 9 veterinarians, and 930 appointment-specific client satisfaction surveys. PROCEDURES The study was designed as a multipractice, preintervention-postintervention study. Practice teams participated in a 15-month communication skills intervention that included interactive group workshops and one-on-one communication coaching with the entire practice. Client Satisfaction Questionnaires were completed 3 months before (mean, 55 questionnaires/veterinarian) and after (mean, 48 questionnaires/veterinarian) the intervention. The impact of the intervention and factors associated with client visit satisfaction were evaluated with mixed logistic regression. RESULTS Client satisfaction scores were dichotomized owing to extreme negative skewness. In total, 57% (284/496) of clients were completely satisfied on pretest questionnaires, and 67% (290/434) were completely satisfied on postintervention questionnaires. The odds of clients being completely satisfied were significantly higher after the communication skills intervention (OR = 1.56; P = .002). When controlling for the intervention, predictors of client visit satisfaction included appointment type (odds of being completely satisfied were significantly higher for recheck appointments than for preventative care appointments [OR = 1.71; P = .02] and health problem appointments [OR = 1.99; P = .003]) and duration of the veterinarian-client relationship (probability increased by 0.52 with each 1-year increase in relationship duration; P = .008). CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that the client-centered, skills-based communication intervention resulted in increased client visit satisfaction. Findings contribute to current evidence that client-centered communication and duration of the veterinarian-client relationship promote client satisfaction during veterinary visits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To describe how North American veterinary medical teaching institutions VMTIs) provide communication skills training to students. SAMPLE Faculty coordinators of communication skills training programs (CSTPs) at 30 North American VMTIs. PROCEDURES An online survey instrument was designed and administered to each respondent followed by a telephone (n = 28) or in-person (2) interview. The survey and interview process were designed to evaluate all aspects of CSTPs, such as communication framework used, program format, number of student-contact hours, staffing models, outcome assessment, faculty background, program priorities, and challenges. Descriptive results were generated, and guidelines for future development of CSTPs were recommended. RESULTS 27 US and 3 Canadian VMTIs were represented, and communication skills training was required at all. Twenty-five CSTPs used the Calgary-Cambridge Guide framework. Respondents provided a mean of 33 student-contact hours of training, primarily in the first 3 years of the veterinary curriculum in lecture (mean, 12 hours), communication laboratory (13 hours), and self-study (8 hours) formats with formative feedback. Communication skills training was integrated with other disciplines at 27 VMTIs. Most CSTPs were coordinated and taught by I faculty member with a < 0.50 full-time equivalent commitment and no administrative support. Stated priorities included acquisition of resources for CSTP faculty, administrative support, and video-equipped facilities; increasing integration of CSTPs into curricula; and assessment of educational outcomes. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that support for CSTPs and recognition of their value continue to grow, but a lack of resources, faculty expertise, validated methods for outcomes assessment, and leadership remain challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reflects on the study "Exploring the Impact of Toxic Attitudes and a Toxic Environment on the Veterinary Healthcare Team" which offers suggestions for optimizing team performance. It mentions that a satisfied team can be created through several measures which include maintaining effective communication, setting achievable goals, and dividing work load.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate veterinarian-client communication and veterinarian and client satisfaction with veterinary visits before and after veterinarians underwent a 6-month communication skills training program in a practice setting. DESIGN Case-based pretest-posttest intervention study. SAMPLE I purposely selected companion-animal practice. PROCEDURES The practice team (3 veterinarians. 5 veterinary technicians. I receptionist. and I office manager) participated m a 6-month educational program (intervention) that included interactive communication modules, individual coaching, and a communication laboratory. For each of the veterinarians. 6 appontments were video recorded and 30 additional clients completed a visit satisfaction survey both before and after the intervention. The Roier interaction analysis system was used to analyze the video-recorded appointments. RESULTS After the intervention, appointments were S.4 minutes longer and veterinarians asked 60% fewer elosed-ended lifestyle-social questions, provided M times as much biomedically related client education, and used I S and 1.25 times as much faciliutive and emotional rapport communication, respectively. compared with before the intervention. Clients provided veterinarians with 1.3 times as much biomedically related information and engaged in twice as much social conversation. After the intervention, veterinarians perceived their clients as complaining less and being more personable and trusting, and clients felt more involved in the appointment and reported that the veterinarian expressed greater interest in their opinion. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that the intervention resulted in veterinarians who spent more time educating and building rapport with their clients and facilitating client input in an unhurried environment, which enhanced overall veterinarian visit satisfaction and various aspects of client visit satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on significance of role playing in management of communication skills among veterinary team members. Topics discussed include exploration of different qualities associated with team members such as confidentiality, establishment of rapport among team members for stimulation of spontaneity in members, reenactments of different scenarios for enhancement of communication and development of professionalism by role-playing in non-judgmental environment.

The article offers information on the concept of men who cry in the workplace. Topics discussed include the difference between men and women in expressing emotion, the expectation in men as strong, breadwinners, and leaders, and the research which found out that expression of emotions is associated with power and status in workplace relationships. Also mentioned the battle against societal constraints and cultural norms of showing emotions by men.

Objective--To describe the relationship between veterinarian and client genders and veterinarian-client-patient communication. Design--Cross-sectional descriptive study. Sample--Random sample of 50 companion animal practitioners in southern Ontario and a convenience sample of 300 clients and their pets. Procedures--For each practitioner, 6 clinical appointments were videotaped, and the resulting 300 videotapes were analyzed with the Roter interaction analysis system (RIAS). Linear regression was conducted to study the relationship between demographic factors, measures of veterinarian-client-patient communication, and gender of the veterinarian and client. Results--Female veterinarians conducted more relationship-centered appointments, provided more positive and rapport-building statements, talked more to the patient, and were perceived as less hurried or rushed, compared with male veterinarians. Clients were more likely to provide lifestyle-social information to female veterinarians. Same-gender veterinarian-client interactions were relationship centered and included client provision of more lifestyle-social information. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance--Gender influenced veterinarian-client-patient communication, and previously described physician gender differences in medical communication were largely replicated in the veterinary context. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2012;241:81-88) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective--To measure veterinarian satisfaction with companion animal visits through an adaptation of a previously validated physician visit satisfaction scale and to identify demographic, personality, appointment, and communication factors that contribute to veterinarian visit satisfaction. Design--Cross-sectional descriptive study. Sample--Random sample of 50 companion animal practitioners in southern Ontario, Canada, and convenience sample of 300 clients and their pets. Procedures--For each practitioner, 6 clinical appointments were videotaped, and the resulting 300 videotapes were analyzed by use of the Roter interaction analysis system. The physician satisfaction scale, Rosenberg self-esteem scale, and interpersonal reactivity index were used to measure veterinarian visit satisfaction, self-esteem, and empathy, respectively. Linear regression analysis was conducted to study the relationship between factors and veterinarian visit satisfaction. Results--Veterinarian visit satisfaction ranged from 1 to 5 (mean ± SD, 3.97 ± 0.99) and differed significantly between wellness appointments (mean scale score, 4.13) and problem appointments (mean scale score, 3.81). Various elements of client and veterinarian communication as well as personality measures of veterinarian self-esteem and empathy were associated with veterinarian satisfaction. The specific factors differed depending on the nature of the appointment. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance--Results suggested that veterinarian visit-specific satisfaction is enhanced through the use of communication that builds relationships with clients and is associated with degrees of veterinarian empathetic concern and veterinarian self-esteem. The implications extend to overall job satisfaction and its potential link to the health and well-being of individual veterinarians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To provide communication skills education to veterinary professionals in the practice setting and evaluate the training by measuring veterinarian communication pre- and post-intervention. Methods: This is a case-based pre-test/post-test intervention study of a veterinary practice in Denver, CO. Four veterinarians from a single practice and 48 clients (selected to represent wellness and problem visits) were recruited to the study. The veterinarians took part in a training intervention consisting of a year-long curriculum, including interactive communication modules, individual coaching and communication laboratories. Six visit interactions were measured for each of the 4 veterinarians pre- and post-skill training. The Roter interaction analysis system (RIAS) was used to analyze the study''s 48 videotapes. Results: Compared to the pre-training visits, veterinarians gathered twice as much lifestyle-social data (p <0.02), and used 1.5 times more partnership building (p <0.03) and positive rapport-building (p <0.01) communication. Clients provided 1.4 times more lifestyle/social information (p <0.02) and expressed 1.7 times more emotional statements (p <0.01) in post-training visits. Conclusion: The training intervention promoted a more client-centered approach to veterinarian–client communication. Practice implications: Practice-based communication training is novel to veterinary practice. As a case study, generalization of the findings are limited, however the findings support the efficacy of the communication intervention and enhanced utilization of veterinarian–client communication skills by these veterinarians. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective—To compare the clinical interview process, content of the medical dialog, and emotional tone of the veterinarian-client-patient interaction during wellness appointments and appointments related to a health problem in companion animal practice. Design—Cross-sectional descriptive study. Sample Population—A random sample of 50 companion animal practitioners in southern Ontario and a convenience sample of 300 clients and their pets. Procedure—For each practitioner, 6 clinical appointments (3 wellness appointments and 3 problem appointments) were videotaped. The Roter interaction analysis system was used to analyze the resulting 300 videotapes. Results—Wellness appointments were characterized by a broad discussion of topics, with 50% of data-gathering statements and 27% of client education statements related to the pet's lifestyle activities and social interactions. Wellness appointments included twice as much verbal interaction with the pet as did problem appointments, and the emotional atmosphere of wellness appointments was generally relaxed. There were more social talk, laughter, statements of reassurance, and compliments directed toward the client and pet. In contrast, during problem appointments, 90% of the data gathering and client education focused on biomedical topics. Coders rated veterinarians as hurried during 30 of the 150 (20%) problem appointments; they rated clients as anxious during 39 (26%) problem appointments and as emotionally distressed during 21(14%). Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that veterinarian-client-patient communication differed between wellness and problem appointments. Owing to the emphasis on biomedical content during problem appointments, veterinarians may neglect lifestyle and social concerns that could impact patient management and outcomes, such as client satisfaction and adherence to veterinarian recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective—To identify communication patterns used by veterinarians during clinical appointments in companion animal practice. Design—Cross-sectional descriptive study. Sample Population—A random sample of 50 companion animal practitioners in southern Ontario and a convenience sample of 300 clients and their pets. Procedure—For each practitioner, 6 clinical appointments (3 wellness appointments and 3 appointments related to a health problem) were videotaped. The Roter interaction analysis system was used to analyze the resulting 300 videotapes, and cluster analysis was used to identify veterinarian communication patterns. Results—175 (58%) appointments were classified as having a biomedical communication pattern, and 125 (42%) were classified as having a biolifestyle-social communication pattern. None were classified as having a consumerist communication pattern. Twenty-three (46%) veterinarians were classified as using a predominantly biomedical communication pattern, 19 (38%) were classified as using a mixed communication pattern, and 8 (16%) were classified as using a predominantly biolifestyle-social communication pattern. Pattern use was related to the type of appointment. Overall, 103 (69%) wellness appointments were classified as biolifestyle-social and 127 (85%) problem appointments were classified as biomedical. Appointments with a biomedical communication pattern (mean, 11.98 minutes) were significantly longer than appointments with a biolifestyle-social communication pattern (10.43 minutes). Median relationship-centered care score (ie, the ratio of client-centered talk to veterinarian-centered talk) was significantly higher during appointments with a biolifestyle-social communication pattern (1.10) than during appointments with a biomedical communication pattern (0.40). Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that veterinarians in companion animal practice use 2 distinct patterns of communication. Communication pattern was associated with duration of visit, type of appointment, and relationship-centeredness. Recognition of these communication patterns has implications for veterinary training and client and patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective-To identify specific components of veterinarian-client-patient communication during clinical appointments in companion animal practice. Design-Cross-sectional descriptive study. Sample Population-A random sample of 50 companion animal practitioners in southern Ontario and a convenience sample of 300 clients and their pets. Procedure-For each practitioner, 6 clinical appointments (3 wellness appointments and 3 appointments related to a health problem) were videotaped, and the Roter interaction analysis system (RIAS) was used to analyze the resulting 300 videotapes. Statements made during each appointment were classified by means of a communication framework reflecting the 4 essential tasks of the appointment (ie, data gathering, education and counseling, relationship building, and activation and partnership). Results-57% of the veterinarians contacted (50/87) and 99% of the clients contacted agreed to participate in the study. Mean duration of the appointments was 13 minutes. Typically, veterinarians contributed 62% of the total conversation and clients contributed 38%. Fifty-four percent of the veterinarian interaction was with the client, and 8% was with the pet. Data gathering constituted 9% of the veterinarian-to-client communication and was primarily accomplished through closed-ended questioning; 48% of veterinarian-to-client communication involved client education and counseling, 30% involved relationship building, and 7% involved activation and partnership (the remaining 6% constituted orientation). Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Results suggest that the RIAS was a reliable method of assessing the structure, process, and content of veterinarian client-patient communication and that some veterinarians do not use all the tools needed for effective communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is limited information in the veterinary literature on veterinarian-client-patient communication, and what is available is predominantly based on expert opinion and anecdotal information, not peer-reviewed scientific studies. In contrast, the human medical communication literature contains a large number of empirical studies. Thus, a review of research of physician-patient interactions is a logical starting place to determine what steps veterinary researchers, educators, and practitioners could take to investigate and address veterinarian-client-patient interactions. The purpose of this report were to summarize recent advances in human medical communication research and education, link findings in human medical communication research to veterinary medicine, and provide a rationale for development of communication research and education programs in veterinary medical schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the effects of oversharing one's business enterprise with anyone. It mentions that oversharing about one's business enterprise with anyone can be done through social media and its bad effect is that it tends to damage professional relationships with clients and team members alike.

The article focuses on development of persistent veterinary team environment. It suggests implementing timeout method and team-centered approach by leaders for solving problems of unmotivated team members. It mentions presence of burnout among the members and its symptoms such as aggressive behavior, change in relationships and lack in teamwork. It highlights communication with team members and coordinated team efforts that lead to client satisfaction and professional optimism.

The article discusses the need to negotiating a mutually accepted treatment plan with veterinarian clients and encourage their participation while increasing their buy-in. It mentions that helping clients decide on a financial limit provides a point of negotiation for the best treatment options within their budget. It also mentions that the need to acknowledge the client's difficulties, strain, and financial stressors to open the discussion and form a nonjudgmental atmosphere.

The article focuses on how veterinary practice can discuss the financial condition of their business to team members. Topics include the use of communication tools to promote constructive conversations about money matters, the need to give honest answers to the team's questions, and provide clear and concise information to the team.

The article focuses on the expression of employee emotions in the workplace. Topics discussed include emotional reactions of individual, signs of unprofessional behavior, methods of emotion control, outburst of chronic stress and depression into emotions; fatigue and appetite change as the symptoms of big problem, mental and emotional health and identification of emotional triggers for professional and personal growth of workers.

The article offers information on forming partnership and making contracts during communication breakdown between animal health technician and client. Topics discussed include detailed contract that explains job descriptions and expectations of a person, navigation of communication mistakes being tricky, and apologizing, reflective listening, forming partnerships and contracts for agreeable solutions.

The article examines the impact of lack of communication about changes to processes and procedures that makes the situation more difficult in veterinary medicine practice. Topics discussed include postponing a conversation with in case of anger, role of factors in decision making and using nonverbal behaviors such as maintaining eye contact and sitting at the same level.

The article presents suggestions for veterinarians for handling angry customers with a case study of angry Mr. Warner due to dissatisfaction with veterinary treatment of his pet Stella. Topics discussed include veterinarian's perspective and client's perspective on cost of treatment, apologizing, empathizing, and using gentle tone while speaking with clients, and listening to client's concerns and explaining the solution.

The article offers suggestions on time management of veterinarians who have busy schedule. Topics discussed include mindful approach involves focusing on moments one at a time, taking stock and moving onto the next moment, systematic approach to mindfulness optimizes memory, efficiency is increased by focusing on one priority at a time, harness energy to ensure the success of the next opportunity and multitasking promotes gratification with each task.

The article offers information on decision paralysis which is caused by over thinking and burnout during decision making at work . Topics discussed include prevention of decision-making due to over analysis; suggestions to overcome from decision paralysis such as differentiation between small and big task, application of past experience while making decision, enhancement of coping skills and reduction of pressure.

The article discusses measures that help in dealing with the client's grief and loss of pet. Topics discussed include spontaneous emotional responses due to the loss, anger as mask for susceptible feelings of fear and helplessness, empathy as a tool for dealing with clients expressing anger due to grievance, facilitation of anger diffuseness by using appropriate self-disclosures, and creation of supportive environment by nonverbal empathy.

The article offers information on various factors that should be considered related to diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of disease of pets. Topics discussed include the role of clients for animal health, several tips that should be followed to avoid frustrations and misinformation related to veterinary medicine such as listening to client's perspectives, asking permission, and usage of partnering language, and the importance of empowerment of animal caregivers.

The article discusses the need of balancing of life and work. Topics discussed include maintenance of equilibrium between family and work, providing of child-care benefits along with maternity and paternity leave, and mutual understanding between team members with children and team members without about timings.

OBJECTIVE To examine variables of veterinary team effectiveness and personal empathy for associations with professional quality of life (ie, compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress) and job satisfaction in companion animal practice personnel. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. SAMPLE Data from 232 surveys completed by personnel from 10 companion animal veterinary practices in 2 regions of the United States between April 7 and December 20, 2016. PROCEDURES Online surveys were used to collect practice-level data (eg, practice type, setting, and staffing) and individual-level data (eg, demographics, job position, and years in the position and profession). Instruments used in developing the surveys included the Team Effectiveness Instrument, Davis Interpersonal Reactivity Index, Professional Quality of Life Scale, and a measure for job satisfaction. Data were evaluated for associations with professional quality of life and job satisfaction. RESULTS Individual engagement was positively associated with job satisfaction, negatively associated with secondary traumatic stress, and moderated by levels of personal distress for compassion satisfaction and burnout. Toxic team environment was positively associated with burnout and negatively associated with job satisfaction. Empathetic concern and personal distress were both positively associated with secondary traumatic stress. Empathetic concern was moderated by team engagement for compassion satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINCAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that variables influencing professional quality of life and job satisfaction were multimodal and included aspects of team effectiveness and empathy; therefore, workplace strategies that enhance individual and team engagement and mitigate toxic team environments could potentially improve professional quality of life and job satisfaction in veterinary personnel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers tips regarding dealing with colleagues in workplace when taking proposals or new responsibilities. Topics discussed include the need to take time to answer before taking proposals or new responsibilities and saying it with kindness; the need to avoid using maybe or offering an alternative; and the need to know current priorities, efforts, and role before taking proposals or new responsibilities.

OBJECTIVE To describe client and veterinarian perceptions of client-centeredness during euthanasia discussions and assess agreement between measures of these perceptions. DESIGN Descriptive study. SAMPLE Stratified random sample of 32 companion animal veterinarians in southern Ontario. PROCEDURES 2 case scenarios (a geriatric dog with worsening arthritis and a cat with inappropriate urination) designed to initiate euthanasia discussions were presented by 2 different undisclosed standardized clients (USCs) to study veterinarian communication during clinical visits. At the end of appointments, the CISC's identity was disclosed, and questionnaires to measure veterinarian and client perceptions of client-centeredness were completed. Agreement was assessed by statistical methods. RESULTS Data were analyzed from 60 appointments (30/scenario). Of 10 questions, significant agreement was found between veterinarians and USCs for only I (extent to which relevant personal and family issues were discussed; k = 0.43) for the dog scenario and 3 (extent of discussion of respective roles [k = 0.43], better preparedness of the USC to make a euthanasia decision [k = 0.42], and discussion of relevant personal and family issues [k = 0.25]) for the cat scenario. When the USC and veterinarian disagreed, the veterinarian perceived that the client-centeredness components were addressed more thoroughly than did the USC. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Lack of agreement was found between USC and veterinarian perceptions, with USCs perceiving less client-centeredness in euthanasia discussions. This communication gap suggested the need for training of veterinarians in eliciting client perspectives and assessing lifestyle-social information, including client social support systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective—To explore the relationship between veterinarian-client-patient interactions and client adherence to dental and surgery recommendations and to test the a priori hypotheses that appointment-specific client satisfaction and relationship-centered care are positively associated with client adherence. Design—Cross-sectional study. Sample—A subsample of 19 companion-animal veterinarians and 83 clients from a larger observational study consisting of 20 randomly recruited veterinarians and a convenience sample of 350 clients from eastern Ontario. Procedures—Videotaped veterinarian-client-patient interactions containing a dentistry recommendation, surgery recommendation, or both were selected for inclusion from the larger sample of interactions coded with the Roter interaction analysis system. Client adherence was measured by evaluating each patient's medical record approximately 6 months after the videotaped interaction. The clarity of the recommendation, appointment-specific client-satisfaction score, and relationship-centered care score were compared between adhering and nonadhering clients. Results—Among the 83 veterinarian-client-patient interactions, 25 (30%) clients adhered to a dentistry recommendation, surgery recommendation, or both. The odds for adherence were 7 times as great for clients who received a clear recommendation, compared with clients who received an ambiguous recommendation from their veterinarian. Moreover, adhering clients were significantly more satisfied as measured after the interview. Interactions resulting in client adherence also had higher scores for relationship-centered care than did interactions leading to nonadherence. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Veterinarian use of a relationship-centered care approach, characterized as a collaborative partnership between a veterinarian and a client with provision of clear recommendations and effective communication of the rationale for the recommendations, has positive implications for client adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective-To characterize veterinarian-client communication with undisclosed standardized clients (USCs) during discussions regarding euthanasia of a pet. Design-Descriptive study. Sample Population-32 companion animal veterinarians (16 males and 16 females) in southern Ontario. Procedures-During 2 clinic visits, 2 cases (a geriatric dog with worsening arthritis and a cat with inappropriate urination) designed to stimulate discussion regarding euthanasia of a pet were presented by different USCs (individuals trained to consistently present a particular case to veterinarians without disclosing their identity). Discussions were audio recorded and analyzed by use of the measure of patient-centered communication (MPCC [a tool to assess and score physician communication behaviors]). Veterinarian and client statements were classified by means of 3 patient-centered components: exploring both the disease and the illness experience, understanding the whole person, and finding common ground. Results-60 usable recorded discussions were obtained (31 veterinarians; 30 discussions/case). Overall, MPCC scores were significantly lower for the geriatric dog case. For both cases, veterinarians scored highest on finding common ground and lowest on exploring both the disease and the illness experience. Lack of exploration of client feelings, ideas, and expectations and the effect of the illness on the animal's function resulted in low scores among veterinarians. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Results indicated that the use of USCs and the MPCC are feasible methods for analysis of veterinarian-client communication during companion animal euthanasia discussions. Findings suggested that some veterinarians do not fully explore client concerns or facilitate client involvement in euthanasia decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]