Perceptions of Veterinarians and Veterinary Students on What Risk Factors Constitute Medical Disputes and Comparisons...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Risk Management
• Professional Education

Background:

• Medical disputes pose a significant risk in veterinary practice.
• Understanding risk perception differences is crucial for improving veterinary care and client relations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare risk perceptions of medical disputes between veterinarians and veterinary students in Taiwan.
• To identify key risk factors influencing medical disputes from different professional perspectives.

Main Methods:

• Online, validity-tested questionnaires administered in 2014 and 2022.
• A five-point Likert scale was used to assess risk perception likelihood.
• Data collected from 106 (2014) and 157 (2022) respondents (veterinarians and students).

Main Results:

• Overall risk perceptions of medical disputes significantly increased from 2014 to 2022.
• Experienced veterinarians identified interaction attitudes and complaint management as key risks.
• Veterinary students prioritized medical skills and client perspectives, rating complaint management as least significant.

Conclusions:

• Effective communication and complaint management are vital for preventing veterinary medical disputes.
• Bridging the perception gap between experienced veterinarians and students requires enhanced training in these areas.
• Integrating practical dispute and complaint management experience into veterinary education is recommended.