A Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) is established to provide a professional relationship between veterinarians, clients and patients to ensure proper administration of prescribed medications, reduce the development of antimicrobial resistance and provide a quality veterinary medical service.
| Key Points |
|---|
| A VCPR exists when a veterinarian establishes a relationship with a client to provide veterinary medical services and has appropriate professional knowledge about the animal. |
| Responsibility, knowledge, trust and communication must be met for a VCPR to exist. |
| VCPR benefits clients by having access to care when needed, keeps the veterinarian held responsible and provides an opportunity for better record–keeping. |
| As of December 1, 2018, Health Canada changed legislation requiring a prescription to purchase any medically important antimicrobials in an effort to take a proactive role in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). |
What is a Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR)?
A VCPR is established to provide a professional relationship between a veterinarian and client to provide adequate veterinary medical services and appropriate knowledge about the animal. The VCPR does not exist solely for purposes of policy and regulation. The establishment of a valid VCPR signals the beginning of the responsibility and accountability of the veterinarian, veterinary technologists and related permit holder for a client and patient. It is not a barrier to proving veterinary medical services; it is the standard that must be met each time services are provided and is expected by the public and profession.
Requirements
- Responsibility: The veterinarian has assumed responsibility for making clinical assessments and recommendations for the health of the animals.
- Knowledge: The veterinarian has sufficient knowledge of the animals on which to base the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of the animals’ medical condition.
- Trust: The client has agreed to follow the veterinarian’s recommendations and prescriptions.
- Communication: The veterinarian is available or has arranged for follow-up evaluation, especially in the event of adverse reactions or failure of the treatment regimen.
Global Concerns
Health Canada has introduced changes to the way animal owners access antimicrobials to prevent the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Going forward, a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) will be the key component in antimicrobial prescription and distribution. As antimicrobials are used, surviving bacteria develop resistances to the antimicrobials we rely on, and spread those resistances to other bacteria through horizontal gene transfer. The effects of AMR have been noted globally, with 700,000 deaths per year caused by antimicrobial resistant bacteria, which is expected to rise to 10,000,000 by 2050 if policy changes are not implemented.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Threats
The threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is real. Every dose of antimicrobials potentially contributes to the development of AMR, but this potential can be minimized with effective oversight and stewardship. Without responsible usage, the benefits of all antimicrobials may be lost.
When Did Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationships (VCPR) Come into Effect?
Since December 1, 2018, a prescription is required to purchase a medically important antimicrobial. Veterinarians are required to establish a VCPR to write prescriptions for antimicrobials to confirm that the right antimicrobials are being used and are being used responsibly.
Additional Resources
VCPR – Professional Standard (Alberta Veterinary Medical Association)
Establish Your VCPR (Alberta Animal Health Source)
VCPR Information (Alberta Animal Health Source)
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This content was last reviewed December 2024.