Spectrum of care toolkit: identifying and communicating evidence-based options.

Abstract

Objective: Using a case-based example, to provide a video tutorial on the use of a framework to identify, review, and communicate to a pet owner (veterinary client) evidence-based findings that enable the provision of spectrum-of-care options for patient management, demonstrate use of the Value Matrix, and inform shared decision-making.

Animals: Any veterinary patient for which evidence-based care options along the continuum of acceptable care (often referred to as spectrum of care) is sought.

Methods: Evidence-based veterinary medicine involves identifying a relevant clinical question facing the patient, client, and veterinarian and acquiring and appraising the evidence, informing the options applied to the unique case. An easily followed framework informs this process to maximize success in identifying existing veterinary evidence. Several tools, including the Value Matrix, allow for effective client communication of the options for the patient, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages for each option for situation-specific criteria.

Results: Evidence-based options are identified and communicated easily, even for complex clinical questions for which there is minimal published existing evidence.

Clinical relevance: This tutorial provides practical tools that can assist veterinary professionals in collaborating with clients on making evidence-based decisions, are integral to practicing broadly across the spectrum of care, and can be adapted to each unique pet, pet owner, geography, and veterinary clinic scenario.