In a move to improve communication skills the School of Veterinary Science in collaboration with Shoof International has introduced a communication skills course, using actors to simulate farming clients interacting with students.
“The aim of this course is to make students aware of the importance of high-quality communication in the veterinary profession,” veterinary professional studies co-ordinator Stuart Gordon said.
Students role-play onfarm clinical scenarios designed to expose them to a veterinary consultation in which they interact with a farmer and teach them skills such as asking open-ended questions.
“The students are then required to explain the clinical findings and plan treatment and future management protocols with the farmer in language the farmer will understand.”
The consultations are filmed and feedback is given to the students.
Support from Shoof covered the actors’ expenses and costs from visiting private practitioners.
