From Estimates to Empathy: The Technician’s Role in Spectrum of Care

Have you heard about the spectrum of care? This style of medicine is not new, though the term has gained wider recognition in recent years. Providing a spectrum of care allows veterinarians to present a range of treatment options to their clients that vary in cost, invasiveness, and intensity. When done well, spectrum of care medicine maximizes patient quality of life within the individual goals and limitations of the pet family while meeting the moral, ethical, and legal obligations of our profession.  

Have you ever wondered what your doctor was thinking when they created a certain treatment plan? That’s okay! Often, our technicians are not present for the whole conversation and may not hear how client and veterinarian arrive at a decision. Veterinarians who practice spectrum of care think carefully about the best way to meet the needs of each individual pet family and patient. Just because a treatment plan isn’t what you are used to seeing for a given condition doesn’t make it poor medicine.  

Have you wanted to get more involved In practicing spectrum of care? Veterinary technicians are an essential part of client communication and should be included in these care conversations. And that doesn’t mean just reviewing the financial estimate. You should have a role in identifying Barriers to Care and client goals of care.  

Join a practicing veterinarian to explore the spectrum of care using a case-based approach. We will discuss what spectrum of care looks like in practice and unpack the thought process doctors have when deciding which options are appropriate. Then we will explore the essential role technicians play in client communication when practicing a spectrum of care, including key tools and phrases you can take back to your practice and implement right away.