Communication is often noted as one of the most important requirements of veterinary medicine, with confidence being somewhat overlooked. Without confidence in our abilities, all tasks become difficult. Both hard (technical tasks) and soft (communication, timekeeping) skills require confidence; however, this isn't something that can be necessarily taught and has no time element. There is no one distinct answer to building or repairing confidence levels – it is closely linked to self‐esteem and is affected by the task being undertaken and even by the people present. This article explores how best to build confidence during veterinary consultations, touching on factors including underpinning knowledge, practising a task, reflection and feedback.
Nicola Lakeman (Tue,) studied this question.
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