“If you trust a vet, it’s easier to reach out to them with questions”: Flemish horse owner perspectives on communication about complementary and alternative veterinary medicine.

Objective Summary

• This study explores how Flemish horse owners communicate with their veterinarians about the use of complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM).
• It investigates the factors influencing whether horse owners discuss CAVM use with their veterinarians and how trust impacts this communication.

Research Purpose and Design

• The research aimed to assess horse owners’ behaviors and perceptions regarding communication about CAVM with their veterinarians.
• A mixed-methods approach was used, combining a cross-sectional online survey with qualitative in-depth interviews.
• The study population consisted of Flemish horse owners, with 1,532 participants in the survey and 26 participating in interviews.

Key Findings from the Survey

• Overall, horse owners reported a high level of trust in their veterinarians and were satisfied with communication.
• About 61.7% of horse owners had already discussed CAVM with their veterinarians.
• However, 25.1% of horse owners who used CAVM had not discussed it with their veterinarian.

Insights from the Qualitative Interviews

• Non-disclosure of CAVM use was linked to two major themes:
  • Owner’s desire for autonomy and responsibility: Owners wanted to manage their horse’s health independently and felt responsible for treatment choices.
  • Perceptions of the veterinarian: Owners feared negative reactions and believed veterinarians might lack knowledge about CAVM.
• Owners expressed a desire to be treated with respect by veterinarians.
• They expected veterinarians to have at least a basic understanding of CAVM and to be proactive in initiating conversations about it.

Implications for Veterinarian-Client Communication

• Communication about CAVM is fairly common but not always occurring before CAVM use begins, largely due to owner-related factors and perceptions of veterinarians’ responses.
• Non-disclosure can lead to risks for the horse, such as adverse reactions, interactions with other treatments, or delays in conventional care.
• Taking a relationship-centered communication approach, which respects owners’ experiences and concerns, may encourage more open disclosure.
• Veterinarians initiating dialogue about CAVM and demonstrating knowledge and respect could foster trust and improve collaborative care.

Overall Conclusion

• Trust between horse owners and veterinarians plays a crucial role in facilitating open communication about complementary and alternative treatments.
• Addressing owners’ expectations and reducing fears of judgement may improve transparency and contribute to better health outcomes for horses.