Strand Elizabeth B
Veterinary Social Work, University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine/College of Social Work, Knoxville, 37996-4543,
J Vet Med Educ. 2006 Spring;33(1):65-70. doi: 10.3138/jvme.33.1.65.
In the recent past much has been written about non-technical skills in veterinary medical education. This dialogue has focused extensively on competence in behaviorally based communication skills for successful veterinary practice. Other relationship-based communication skills are also useful in communication, such as self-awareness, flexibility, non-judgment (compassion), and being present. All of these relationally based skills are present in the concept of non-anxious presence. This article will review the history of the term ''non-anxious presence'' (NAP), discuss a proposed model of NAP for the veterinary medical environment, and review some methods useful in teaching NAP in veterinary medical education.
