Simulated Approach to Veterinary Communication

by Ryane E. Englar , Teresa Graham Brett
February 2026

Empowers veterinary educators to design from scratch, modify, or adopt the authors’ own comprehensive, simulation-based communication curriculum, combining andragogical principles, evidence-based practice, and practical tools to enhance the delivery of relationship-centered care.

Simulated Approach to Veterinary Communication tracks the evolution of communication training and relational practice in healthcare. Readers are introduced to foundational communication theories and models, as well as the growing evidence that effective communication enhances healthcare delivery and patient outcomes through improved information exchange and stronger veterinary client-healthcare provider relationships. The book translates theory into practical application exercises, offering 30 simulated client encounters for veterinary curricula. This debut of an entire curriculum provides educators with a complete, evidence-based framework for integrating communication training across all species and practice settings.

This one-of-a-kind resource offers practical implementation that is unparalleled. The book presents fifteen chapters covering communication theory, models, and client communication preferences as well as strategies for simulation design. A companion website delivers all components of all 30 simulations, including preparatory materials, simulation scripts, door charts, rubrics, and post-encounter reflection prompts. In addition, the companion website offers over 150 ready-to-implement clinical case vignettes for in-class use. The modular design allows the content to be adapted to a wide variety of needs:

• Species-specific communication guidance for canine, feline, equine, ruminant, and exotic animal practitioners and student doctors in training
• Evidence-based frameworks for building reflective practice. This requires providers to deepen their exploration of self as they learn to integrate personal, social, and professional identities to build capacity for their own unique delivery of relationship-centered care
• Application of the Calgary-Cambridge consultation model and associated communication skills to simulation experiences
• Complete scripts, preparatory work, and reflection assignments for 30 simulations that span the breadth and depth of clinical practice, including wellness visits, sick and emergency visits, end-of-life, economic euthanasia, mandatory animal cruelty reporting, and conflict within the veterinary team

Designed for anyone involved in teaching or learning communication skills in veterinary medicine, including veterinary faculty, veterinary technician educators, curriculum developers, clinical and professional skills course coordinators, and veterinary and veterinary technician students, Simulated Approach to Veterinary Communication provides the blueprint for communication curricular design. This text allows for rapid implementation of effective, reproducible training for the interpersonal demands of modern veterinary practice.