When we admit a patient in for supplementary investigations or for treatment, we know for sure that all of our recommendations are taken seriously and that our team members know the importance of a well-done job.
Things are not the same when we talk about pet parents and their willingness to follow all of our recommendations. Here is where we have to find the right words and the right way to deliver the information to make sure our patients receive the best of care at home and also, to make sure, we have the best outcome.
Owner compliance means that we, as vets, have to educate ourselves in more ways than we initially thought. Besides our education in med school, we have to learn how to be as clear as possible and how to convince and engage pet parents. An effective compliance management program is a constant agenda item.
Here’s what to have in mind when it comes to owner compliance:
✔ Educate patients with evidence-based information
✔ Set realistic, achievable expectations
✔ Motivate patients
✔ Activate patients to take responsibility for their pet’s health
✔ Enhance honest communication between you and pet parents
✔ Develop a plan for the patient’s treatment and explain it
✔ Include them in decision making- don’t just tell them what you’re about to do and don’t just tell them the course of treatment
✔ Offer them multiple options for treatment (when it’s possible of course)
✔ Identify their concerns and try to ease them
And here are some benefits of a good VCPR:
✔ Improved outcomes;
✔ Lower readmission rates;
✔ Reduced total healthcare costs;
✔ Improved patient satisfaction;
✔ Enhanced provider satisfaction and lower burnout
✔ Verbal communication at each touchpoint (on phone, in consultation);
✔ Personalized treatment plans;
✔ Client handouts;
✔ Forward booking appointments;
✔ Appointment confirmation;
✔ Appointment reminders;
✔ Follow up phone calls;
