Communication skills in veterinary industry - a qualitative approach

Abstract

Communication skills are very important in companion animal and food animal practice. In Germany nearly 68 % of the graduates are working as a veterinarian in private practice. More than 31 % of German vets are working in other fields, whereas almost 16 % are working in industry. So far, limited information is available about communications skills in veterinary industry. To gain more knowledge about communication skills in veterinary industry we conducted semi-structured interviews as a qualitative research approach. All interviewees worked five or more than five years in industry. The interview focused on those communication skills needed in a daily work routine. Another focus was on meeting the expectations of new colleagues’ in this field. The interviewees were also asked about predicted challenges in communication skills in the future. After a qualitative content analysis of the interviews the outcomes were compared to two established European learning outcomes catalogues, the German National Competence Based Catalogues of Learning Objectives for Undergraduate Medical Education, and the Swiss learning outcome catalogue of the Vetsuisse-Faculty. The qualitative analysis demonstrated an overlapping of several required communication skills in veterinary industry with the skill set listed in both learning outcome catalogues. However, the interviewees mentioned a lack of communication skills in the field of professional skills. Particularly the personal development of the graduates represents a central aspect of the requirements in veterinary industry. Furthermore, basic skills in economics are required. In the future more qualitative research will be necessary to derive more concrete learning outcomes. Moreover, the integration of specific learning and communication skills for veterinary industry into the curriculum could also prepare the students for better accomplishments in the formation of private practices.