With 5% Nutrition Compliance,
There's Room To Improve Patient Care

Compliance is the measure of whether pets are receiving the care that veterinarians believe is best for them. The recent comprehensive study on compliance conducted by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and funded by a generous grant from Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc., revealed that millions of dogs and cats are not receiving that care.

Successful compliance is multi-factorial. Many of the factors that lead to noncompliance can be impacted and improved by veterinarians and their health care teams. The main barriers to compliance were identified as not receiving a clear, specific recommendation, being unaware of specific therapeutic options, poor explanation of the need or benefit of a product or service, and lack of follow – through by the practice.

Cost is not a major barrier to compliance. The study data demonstrated that 9 out of 10 clients surveyed wanted their veterinarian to recommend the best medical, surgical and dietary care for their pets, regardless of cost. In fact, less than 10% of clients refused the recommended treatment due to cost.

The compliance study identified the major components of the CRAFT Formula:

According to the research, increasing compliance with therapeutic foods provides the single greatest opportunity to improve patient care. The AAHA study illustrated that 90% of pet owners expect a nutritional recommendation, but only 11% actually receive one. It further showed that 93% of pet owners are willing to spend more on their pet's food if it keeps their pet healthy, and 90% continue to buy the food recommended by their veterinarian.

Improve Compliance Through Therapeutic Nutrition
There are several opportunities during a pet owners visit to improve compliance with nutrition by establishing a consistent protocol for the entire practice health care team.
• Always weigh the pet and note the body condition score
• Take a complete and accurate nutritional history; update it at each visit
• Make a specific recommendation for the appropriate nutrition
• Gain commitment to compliance by using visual tools to explain any disease condition
• Ask the client what size bag or cans they would like to take home with them
• Train staff to follow through with your nutritional recommendation
• Monitor the status of the pet with a follow-up phone call within 3 days after examination
• Send a reminder when it is time for the pet owner to purchase more food

The rewards of increased compliance are quite impressive. In addition to ensuring better patient care, improved compliance can also improve the financial success of a practice. A 10% increase in compliance results in 1,287 additional needed treatments, with $132,535 of additional revenue and $81,364 in gross profit.

Optimal Outcomes Depend On Compliance
Compliance is a quality of care issue. Using your skills and resources to make the best recommendation and gain client compliance means patients can achieve the highest- quality outcomes. The result is healthier pets, satisfied clients, higher revenues and a happier practice team. Your clients will be more educated and their pets will have a longer, better quality life.

Hill's remains your partner in improving the lives of your patients. In addition to funding the groundbreaking AAHA Compliance Study, Hill's provides educational and technical tools and services for you, your staff and your clients that will improve compliance and patient care.

For more information, contact Pets Corner Sdn Bhd at 03-4043 2420 or visit www.HillsVet.com.