Client perceptions improve with collaborative care when managing dogs with cancer: a Collaborative Care Coalition study.

OBJECTIVE

Collaboration between primary care veterinarians (pcVets) and veterinary oncologists is common for dogs diagnosed with cancer, but no data exist that explore dog owner utilization and perceptions of collaborative care. The objectives were to describe dog owner perceptions of the value of collaborative veterinary cancer care and identify drivers of a positive collaborative care experience between the pcVet and oncologic specialists.

SAMPLE

890 US dog owners who had pets diagnosed with cancer in the past 3 years.

PROCEDURES

Online contextual survey. Data were analyzed using group comparisons and multiple regression analysis. Significance was set at P < .05.

RESULTS

76% of clients sought specialty care following cancer diagnosis in their dog. Seventy percent of owners across all income brackets indicated that referral to a specialist was a very good value based on money spent and outcomes. Delayed referral resulted in lower client satisfaction scores for pcVets. Top predictors of client satisfaction with pcVets were as follows: responsiveness to questions, staying involved with their dog's care, and willingness to work with other veterinarians and specialists. For specialists, top predictors were as follows: providing accurate cost estimates, cancer knowledge, and effectiveness of care. Client perceptions of pcVets were 6 times more likely to improve following referral to a specialist. All were significant predictors of owner advocacy (P < .0001).

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Dog owners perceived early collaboration between pcVets and specialists favorably, fostering client satisfaction and positive perceptions of the value for service provided for dogs diagnosed with cancer.