Development of veterinary communication skills at Murdoch University and in other Australian veterinary schools

A historical perspective of the development of interpersonal communication and consultation skills workshops within the veterinary curriculum at Murdoch University is presented, along with plans for the future in this area. Videos have been found to be valuable teaching tools for triggering discussion in workshops on communication issues and in reviewing real client consultations. More use could be made of role plays with actors involving challenging consultations, and changes in the curriculum could allow for aspects of professional and applied interpersonal skills to be incorporated at an earlier stage of the program. An overview of the professional communication programs in other Australian veterinary schools is also presented. Most programs involve interaction with veterinary practitioners and consultants such as counselors and psychologists, and most veterinary schools offer a program of professional development spanning five years of the curriculum