Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

The aim of the present literature study was to define and describe the area ”compliance in veterinary medicine” (i.e. the way treatment recommendations are being performed) and discuss the factors that influence the level of compliance. Based on the findings, a model that intended to increase compliance in orthopedic postoperative rehabilitation of dogs was designed. In the daily work as a veterinary nurse it is essential that one provides the best possible care to the animals from the beginning to the end of the treatment. This includes achieving good compliance. Based on the literature review, good communication is one of the most important things in increasing compliance. If the pet owners do not understand the treatment instructions it is impossible for them to comply. Another important factor is motivation; the pet owner needs to understand why the treatment is important for their pet. If one succeeds in making the pet owner comfortable and confident with performing the treatment it is more likely that they will comply. The study discusses a variety of models that intend to help in the daily work of increasing compliance. One of them is the four habit approach which may help to increase compliance in veterinary medicine by working on how to improve the communication between the animal healthcare team and the pet owners. The model explains some techniques that the healthcare team can use to accomplishing better communication. The model designed in this study seems to be a promising tool in increasing compliance in rehabilitation of dogs. To confirm that the model really leads to increased compliance it has to be evaluated in practice. Knowledge of important factors that helps the veterinary nurses to increase the level of compliance will lead to better quality of care and better treatment results for the animals.