Evaluating shared decision-making between companion animal veterinarians and their clients using the Observer OPTION5 instrument

Background Communication practices used by veterinarians can impact client's involvement in decision-making. The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of client involvement in veterinary care decisions and factors impacting client involvement. Methods A random sample of practising companion animal veterinarians and a convenience sample of pet owners were recruited. Each consultation was audio-video recorded and analyzed using the Observer OPTION5 instrument, adapted from human medicine, to assess veterinarians' level of shared decision-making. A mixed linear model was used to assess statistical associations between veterinarian, client and appointment-level factors and OPTION5 scores. Results Sixty veterinarians and 909 of their clients were audio-video recorded during a consultation, of which 717 interactions included a decision identified for analysis using the OPTION5 instrument. Elements consistent with shared decision-making were uncommon, with a mean OPTION5 score of 22.6 (median = 20.0; sd = 13.05; range = 0-75) out of 100. OPTION5 scores were positively associated with the length of the appointment and negatively associated with the veterinarian's years in practice when controlling for statistical interaction between client income and appointment type. Conclusion Findings suggest an opportunity exists for veterinarians to incorporate more client involvement through increased use of shared decision-making behaviours during veterinary consultations.