college connection
PROFESSIONALISM
BE AWARE continued from previous page
“ algorithmic ” and literal minded approach to clinical choices and behaviours close the mind to relevant feelings and options . These practices in senior veterinarians can be emulated by junior colleagues who then become unconsciously incompetent with respect to self-awareness , even as they develop clinical knowledge and skills .
Self-Awareness Strategies
Here are a few recommendations to help improve self-awareness :
• Keep a journal of reflective writing . Record thoughts and ideas about your reactions to events of the day , reflecting upon what went well , or not , and how your personal realities influenced your choices .
• Learn and practice meditative techniques .
• Seek out friends and peers with whom you can discuss your thoughts , feelings , behavioural choices and reactions .
• Seek behavioural feedback at work .
• Seek out opportunities for group education and discussion that focuses upon relevant leadership , problem-solving and ethical practice knowledge and skills .
• Mentor and be mentored by others who value self-awareness practices .
• Employ the services of a suitable professional coach .
• Sometimes , professional counselling is a good way to enhance self-awareness .
In The Heat of the Moment
I often ask audiences if it ’ s acceptable to be uncivil toward colleagues in an urgent situation . Invariably there is someone who believes it is OK to be uncivil , especially in a “ life and death ” situation . The speaker is usually referring to a communication style that is firm , even forceful . Perhaps taking an assertive , directive , yet respectful stance is
in keeping with civility in such a situation , designed to bring out the best action from a co-worker . Nonetheless , crisis is a moment of high tension that can place civility at risk . How do you handle your frustration or even anger ?
The Physician Health Program has developed a short strategy that incorporates awareness techniques . We borrowed the ABC ( airway , breathing , circulation ) approach familiar to those who work in critical care :
• A stands for Awareness — learn to recognize one ’ s own reactions to critical situations as an early warning sign .
• B stands for Breathe — learn how to pause , even if very briefly , to reflect on the situation . If there is time , a short breathing meditation may help . ( For an example : http :// php . oma . org / Mindfulness . html ).
• C stands for Choose a Civil form of Communication — effective communication is the third Fundamental of Civility .
The goal of awareness , certainly as it pertains to civility , is to render informed and conscious behavioural choice readily available . Those who achieve the highest level of selfawareness obtain a useful and functional insight . Such individuals are able to recognize the roots of their behaviours , solve problems and overcome challenges by being present in the moment , able to feel and express compassion while developing new attitudes and the freedom to make civil choices . An interesting thing can happen : while any one of us accesses civility , others seem to do the same ! Awareness is at the heart of a caring and civilized profession . Choose civility .
Dr . Michael Kaufmann is Medical Director of the OMA Physician Health Program and Physician Workplace Support Program . At a recent Council meeting , Dr . Kaufmann delivered a presentation on civility and explained the five fundamentals of civility for veterinarians . View the presentation at www . cvo . org / video . Watch College Connection for the complete series of articles on civility .
VCPR
STANDARD AND GUIDE AVAILABLE
The veterinarian-client-patient relationship ( VCPR ) is one of the foundations of effective veterinary care and service . The College Council recently approved a revised Professional Practice Standard on the VCPR . The standard and a related guide are now available on the College website .
A VCPR must exist before a veterinarian recommends or provides any veterinary services , such as prescribing , dispensing or administering drugs , to an animal or group / herd of animals .
The guide addresses questions and offers suggestions on how to apply the VCPR standard in veterinary practice including :
• what constitutes sufficient and recent knowledge of an animal ?
• what information should be shared to support continuity of care ?
• how can a VCPR be terminated ?
• does a VCPR expire ? Resources available
The College has resources available to assist you in explaining the VCPR to clients . A poster to display in your facility , an informative video to watch and share online , and also a handout to provide to clients are all available upon request . Information is also available on the College website which helps to assist clients and veterinarians in their expectations and responsibilities to one another .
Ensure you and your client have a strong relationship - it ’ s the responsible thing to do !
Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship
Review the standard and resources . www . cvo . org / VCPR
www . cvo . org / Resources / Client- Communications-and-Consent
Fall 2016 / 3