Key Insights
Many veterinary experts emphasize that Preventive Care of pet patients is most effective when there is a concerted team effort. When all the team believes in the importance of preventive care protocols and communicate this to clients, then clients are far more likely to get the message and buy-in to preventive recommendations. (In addition, they are more likely to perceive that the practice cares about, and is fully committed to, the health of their pets.)
- A Culture of Preventive Care — Dr. Wendy Hauser.
Dr. Hauser explores why preventive-care recommendations fall short and concludes that what’s needed is a ingrained culture of preventive care at the practice… where all team members believe in and communicate to clients the importance and value of preventive care for the health of their pets. (Dr. Hauser is founder of Peak Veterinary Consulting and a member of Vet Partners organization of veterinary consultants) - Protocols: How to Keep Your Veterinary Team on Track and Expanding the Role of Vet Techs in Preventive Care — Des Whittall.
Des presents very practical steps for getting the full vet team onboard with protocols for preventive care. (Des is the owner of 2 veterinary clinics in Texas and a frequent contributor to Practice Life publication.) - How Veterinary Team Alignment Can Strengthen Preventive Care Protocols — Meg Oliver.
As a practice manager of a 4-vet practice (and a frequent writer to industry publications), Meg emphasizes the need to get the whole vet team educated and ready to help clients understand the importance of preventive care for the health of their pets. - Client Message: What is Preventive Care & Why Does My Pet Need It?\ — Kate Boatright.
This posting on the Pawlicy Advisor Pet Care Blog models one excellent way of starting a conversation with clients about the importance of preventive care. - Strong Human-Animal Bond Leads to Better Preventive Care — HABRI (Human Animal Bond Research Institute).
HABRI published a study last year that clearly discovered and documented that the stronger the bond is between the owner and their pet, the more likely they are to actively support the preventive health of their pets. - Talking to Pet Owners About Preventive Care: a Primer — Dr. Elizabeth Hetler.
Dr. Hetler discusses how to communicate to clients the importance of preventive care and preventive care diagnostics… and, how to make sure the message gets through, before, during and after the visit.
The consensus view is patient health is improved with a consistent and ongoing communication with clients about the importance of preventive care. Face-to-face interactions with vets and the full vet team is the foundation. But, communication before, after and between visits is a critical way to reinforce this messaging and build client commitment.