Veterinarians' Perceptions of Competence and Communication Skills in Bali, Indonesia

Effective communication is a crucial aspect of veterinary medicine. Despite its importance, this subject has not been sufficiently studied in the specific context of Bali, Indonesia, resulting in a notable gap in the existing research literature. The present study addressed a significant gap in the literature by systematically examining how communication challenges, specifically client dissatisfaction, inadequate treatment compliance, and recurrent misunderstandings between veterinarians and pet owners, affect the quality of veterinary care. The current study explored how veterinary practitioners in Bali, Indonesia, perceive their professional skills and communication abilities. Data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions, open-ended questionnaires, and surveys, involving 218 practitioners in the study area. The participants included small animal practitioners (65%), livestock veterinarians (25%), and mixed-practice clinicians (10%), with experience ranging from recent graduates to senior professionals with over 20 years in the field. The current findings revealed that 86.2% of respondents considered communication skills as equally important as clinical knowledge in facilitating critical professional outcomes, including client trust, treatment compliance, and clinical effectiveness. Effective communication was recognized as crucial for fostering confidence, increasing job satisfaction, strengthening client relationships, and supporting important activities such as anamnesis and treatment discussions. However, practitioners encountered difficulties in discussing sensitive topics, including life-threatening diagnoses, euthanasia, and costly treatment options. Notably, 86.7% of participants indicated the necessity for post-employment communication training to maintain and advance their skills, highlighting the significance of ongoing professional development in Indonesia. The present study emphasized the critical role of communication in veterinary practice and highlighted the demand for targeted training programs to address existing gaps.