Consultation length in first opinion small animal practice

CONSULTATIONS are the cornerstone of veterinary practice, and while the length scheduled for consultations varies, 10 minute appointments are a frequent feature in first opinion practice. Previous research has suggested that consultations are complex (Robinson and others 2014) and often exceed 10 minutes in length (Shaw and others 2008, Everitt and others 2013), raising concerns as to whether a 10 minute appointment is sufficient to address all health concerns. In medicine, consultation length is positively correlated with the number of problems discussed (Flocke and others 2001) and longer consultations are associated with improved detection and management of certain conditions (Freeman and others 2002). It is unclear whether the same is true in veterinary medicine. The aim of this study was to determine the average consultation length in a sample of small animal consultations and to describe factors that may affect consultation length. Data collection took place over two weeks in two practices (one week at each) operating 10 minute appointment systems, as part of data gathered for a larger project (Robinson and others 2014). Consultation length was recorded using a stopwatch during direct observation of small animal consultations. Timing started when the client entered the consultation room and stopped as they left. The time spent out of the room by the veterinary surgeon was included provided the client remained in the room. Time spent reading or writing clinical notes prior to or …