Spectrum of Care: Meeting Clients Where They Are

Spectrum of care gives veterinary teams a practical way to move beyond all-or-nothing treatment decisions and think more carefully about what is possible for each client, patient, and practice. A client may want to say yes to care and still run into real obstacles once they leave the exam room. They may not have a ride for a recheck, may struggle to give medication on schedule, may need to talk through the plan with someone at home, or may be worried they will be judged for waiting too long. The patient can be part of the challenge too, especially when stress makes diagnostics or at-home treatment harder.

Dr. Kate Boatwright brings both clinical experience and a practical teaching perspective to this discussion, helping veterinary teams think through what it looks like to offer care with more flexibility, stronger communication, and a clearer understanding of each case. She is the founder of Write the Boat, a platform focused on a spectrum of care, access to care, mentorship, burnout, and finding a healthier balance in veterinary medicine. Dr. Boatwright is a speaker, author, and practicing small animal veterinarian who graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2013 and has worked in rural Pennsylvania as both a general practitioner and emergency clinician.

Since beginning her writing and speaking work in 2019, she has published in veterinary trade magazines and academic journals, self-published The Veterinary Mentorship Manual, and contributed to upcoming textbooks. Throughout the episode, Dr. Boatwright defines access to care, spectrum of care, and contextualized care while explaining why communication and informed consent are central to this work. She also discusses how hospital culture, team judgment, workflow, equipment, and fear of liability can limit the options a practice feels able to offer.

Show Notes:
[02:45] Dr. Kate Boatwright shares how she knew from a young age that she wanted to become a veterinarian and how her path led into general practice.
[06:55] Defining access to care, spectrum of care, and why veterinary care is not always an all-or-nothing decision.
[09:15] Why contextualized care may better capture the goal of finding the right option for the patient and client in the moment.
[11:17] Barriers that can keep clients and patients from getting care, including transportation, education, and fear of judgment.
[14:46] The importance of clear communication, written instructions, and helping clients follow through after the appointment.
[17:16] Dr. Boatwright shares a case example where limited diagnostics required a thoughtful, transparent plan with the client.
[20:10] Recognizing judgment within the veterinary team and taking small steps toward offering a broader range of care options.
[23:57] Why veterinarians should avoid judging colleagues' decisions without understanding the full client conversation.
[25:19] Spectrum of care, liability concerns, and the importance of informed consent.
[28:19] Documenting options, risks, declined recommendations, and client conversations clearly in the medical record.
[30:32] How veterinary schools are beginning to incorporate spectrum of care into curriculum and clinical training.
[33:49] Dr. Boatwright's final thoughts on helping teams offer some level of care to the clients and patients who walk through the door.

Links and Resources:
VHMA
Write the Boat
Veterinary Mentorship Manual
Dr. Kate Boatright - Today's Veterinary Practice
Dr. Kate Boatright - LinkedIn
Write the Boat - Instagram