Revised guidance on communication and consent

At its March meeting, Council approved a revised annex to the Guide to Professional Conduct entitled ‘Communication and consent’.

This annex, together with revised specimen forms of consent for ‘Anaesthesia, clinical and surgical procedures’ and ‘Request for euthanasia’ will replace the existing annex on RCVSonline.

A Working Party was set up to consider recommendations arising out of a report by the Lay Observers who sit with the Preliminary Investigation Committee that additional guidance to veterinary surgeons might reduce the number of complaints involving communication issues.

In their report to Council in 2007, the Lay Observers stated:

“Poor communication continues to be a major area of concern as is informed consent for procedures undertaken as well as the failure to provide estimates before treatment begins and when costs escalate. It would be beneficial to all parties if more focus were given to these critical areas by practices, as it would significantly decrease the dissatisfaction being expressed by members of the public.”

While the intention is for the guidance to address the concerns expressed by the Lay Observers, we believe that, by and large, most practices do a satisfactory job, as the number of complaints is low in comparison to the number of consultations that take place in veterinary practice every day.

The annex expands on the guidance contained at Part 1D of the Guide that ‘good communication skills in professional and support staff are essential to good veterinary practice’ and covers:

• the contractual relationship in the provision of veterinary services
• the provision of copies to be provided to those signing the consent forms
• the importance of knowing who the client is
• ensuring as far as possible the client understands what has been said
• the issues surrounding capacity to consent
• the importance of effectively communicating to clients throughout a case on continuing treatment options, as well as any escalation of fees