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Thielmann B, Pohl R, Böckelmann I. Overcommitment, Work-Related Behavior, and Cognitive and Emotional Irritation in Veterinarians: A Comparison of Different Veterinary Working Fields. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1514. [PMID: 39120217 PMCID: PMC11312069 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12151514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Mental health is a serious problem among veterinarians. The aim of this study was to analyze work-related behaviors and experience (AVEM), overcommitment (OC), and cognitive and emotional irritation (IS) in different veterinary working fields. The survey included 724 German veterinarians (average age 41.0 ± 9.72 years). Validated questionnaires were used to assess overcommitment, work-related behavior and experience patterns (health-promoting pattern G or S; health-hazardous risk pattern A or B), and irritation in several working fields. A correlation analysis and a multivariate test were performed. Increased OC was observed in 35.8% of veterinarians (mixed animals vs. inspectors, p = 0.042; small vs. mixed animals, p = 0.001). A total of 66% of veterinarians exhibited AVEM risk pattern A or B. There was no significant association of AVEM risk patterns and veterinary specialty. Only the AVEM dimension "tendency toward resignation in the face of failure" differed among working fields (p = 0.04). Regardless of direct animal contact, German veterinarians showed increased psychological stress. Inadequate compensation and prolonged stress are significant factors that can lead to burnout or depression. These risks should be considered in the context of occupational healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Thielmann
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Medical Faculty, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; (R.P.); (I.B.)
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Dalum HS, Tyssen R, Moum T, Thoresen M, Hem E. Euthanasia of animals - association with veterinarians' suicidal thoughts and attitudes towards assisted dying in humans: a nationwide cross-sectional survey (the NORVET study). BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:2. [PMID: 38166727 PMCID: PMC10763301 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05402-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Veterinarians are an occupational group with an increased suicide risk. Euthanasing animals may influence both veterinarians' views on assisted dying in humans and their suicide risk. We investigated (I) attitudes towards assisted dying, (II) whether the field of work and the frequency of euthanasing animals were associated with positive attitudes towards human euthanasia, and (III) whether frequently euthanasing animals was associated with serious suicidal thoughts. METHODS We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional study among veterinarians in Norway (response rate: 75%). Logistic regression models were used to calculate the odds ratios for both positive attitudes towards human euthanasia and serious suicidal thoughts. The analyses were adjusted for socio-demographic and work-related factors. RESULTS Fifty-five percent of the veterinarians agreed that euthanasia should be permitted for humans with a fatal disease and short life expectancy. Working with companion animals was independently associated with positive attitudes towards human euthanasia (OR = 1.66 (95% CI: 1.23-2.23)), while veterinarians' frequency of euthanasing animals was not. Frequency of euthanasing animals was independently associated with serious suicidal thoughts, OR = 2.56 (95% CI: 1.35-4.87). CONCLUSIONS Veterinarians' attitudes towards assisted dying in humans did not differ from those of the general population. Veterinarians' frequency of euthanasing animals was not associated with positive attitudes towards euthanasia in humans. However, veterinarians working in companion animal practices were more likely to have positive attitudes towards euthanasia in humans. Moreover, euthanising animals five times or more a week was associated with serious suicidal thoughts. We need more research to infer about causality in these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helene Seljenes Dalum
- Department of Behavioural Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Blindern, P.O. Box 1111, NO-0317, Oslo, Norway.
- Institute for Studies of the Medical Profession, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Reidar Tyssen
- Department of Behavioural Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Blindern, P.O. Box 1111, NO-0317, Oslo, Norway
| | - Torbjørn Moum
- Department of Behavioural Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Blindern, P.O. Box 1111, NO-0317, Oslo, Norway
| | - Magne Thoresen
- Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Erlend Hem
- Department of Behavioural Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Blindern, P.O. Box 1111, NO-0317, Oslo, Norway.
- Institute for Studies of the Medical Profession, Oslo, Norway.
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Houtsma C, Bond AE, Anestis MD. Practical Capability Among Veterinarians: Preliminary Evidence of the Importance of Access to Lethal Medications in the Workplace. Arch Suicide Res 2023; 27:1351-1362. [PMID: 36227276 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2022.2131492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Veterinarians die by suicide at elevated rates. Higher levels of capability for suicide among veterinarians, including access to lethal medications, may account for this discrepancy. This study aimed to determine the importance of accessibility of lethal medications in veterinary workplaces in the relationship between recent suicidal ideation and perceived likelihood of making a future suicide attempt. METHOD Participants identifying with one or more groups at high-risk for suicide (e.g., veterinarians, firearm owners) were recruited via social media to complete online self-report questionnaires examining demographic, work-related, and suicide-related risk factors. The sample of veterinarians (n = 310) was primarily female, White, and worked in small animal practices. RESULTS Method of lethal medication storage in the workplace moderated the relationship between past week ideation and perceived likelihood of a future suicide attempt such that the relationship became stronger among those storing medications unlocked during business hours and weaker among those storing medications locked during business hours. CONCLUSION Secure storage of lethal medications in the workplace may protect against suicide risk. Barriers to lethal medications, when not actively in use, may reduce both physical and cognitive accessibility. Future research should determine the impact of workplace lethal medication storage on suicidal behavior among veterinarians.HIGHLIGHTSLethal med storage moderates link between suicidal thoughts and belief suicide is likelyStoring unlocked may increase physical and cognitive accessibility of this methodWorking with vets to develop and implement means safety strategies will be important.
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Rumpel S, Kempen R, Merle R, Thoene-Reineke C. Psychological stress and strain in laboratory animal professionals - a systematic review. Lab Anim 2023; 57:396-411. [PMID: 36691311 DOI: 10.1177/00236772221129111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Laboratory animal professionals (LAP) are faced with various situations and tasks influencing their mental well-being. A systematic review has been conducted to investigate whether there are specific stressors for LAP and which moderators are relevant for the development of psychological strain. A comprehensive search following PRISMA Guidelines was carried out in June 2021. Results include 12 studies and have been summarized qualitatively in narrative synthesis and tabular presentation. Available literature indicates that LAP are facing stressors but does not allow for conclusions on specific stressful job duties other than euthanasia.Signs of strain are present in LAP. Specifically, participants in qualitative studies reported acute symptoms, while chronic manifestations were in focus in quantitative studies. Although a wide variety of moderating factors have been investigated, only social support has been rated as relevant by multiple qualitative and quantitative studies without contrasting results.According to current data, there is a risk for psychological strain in LAP. However, there is limited understanding of specific stressors and data on moderators is diverse. Further studies that focus on domain-specific knowledge and clearly distinguish stressors from moderators are necessary to set up institutional programmes addressing psychological strain in LAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Rumpel
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behaviour and Laboratory Animal Science, Germany
| | - Regina Kempen
- Aalen University of Applied Sciences, Department of Business Psychology, Germany
| | - Roswitha Merle
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behaviour and Laboratory Animal Science, Germany
| | - Christa Thoene-Reineke
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behaviour and Laboratory Animal Science, Germany
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da Silva CR, Gomes AAD, dos Santos-Doni TR, Antonelli AC, Vieira RFDC, da Silva ARS. Suicide in veterinary medicine: A literature review. Vet World 2023; 16:1266-1276. [PMID: 37577194 PMCID: PMC10421543 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.1266-1276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Veterinarians are commonly exposed to occupational stressors, including excessive workload and financial constraints. These stressors can lead to psychological distress, which typically results in mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and burnout and can even culminate in suicide attempts or suicide deaths. Risk factors associated with poor mental health and high rates of suicide in veterinary practitioners include continuous exposure to challenging scenarios, such as interpersonal conflicts, performing euthanasia, and easy access to lethal means of suicide, such as opioids and anesthetics. The previous studies highlight the urgent need for a better understanding of predisposing factors, mental health-related improvements in the professional environment, and the subsequent establishment of primary mental health-related care policies. Effective ways to promote mental health and prevent suicide may include social support, resilience, developing coping skills, promoting a healthy work environment, and discouraging perfectionist behaviors. This review aimed to summarize findings in studies that have investigated mental health and suicide in veterinarians and veterinary students and highlight measures that could be implemented as options for mental health promotion and suicide prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Rodrigues da Silva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Campus of Agricultural Sciences, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ana Amélia Domingues Gomes
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Campus of Agricultural Sciences, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Thaís Rabelo dos Santos-Doni
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Vale do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Unaí, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Coutinho Antonelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Campus of Agricultural Sciences, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Rafael Felipe da Costa Vieira
- Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Health, and Human Services, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America
- Center for Computational Intelligence to Predict Health and Environmental Risks, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Alexandre Redson Soares da Silva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Campus of Agricultural Sciences, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
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Persson K, Gerdts WR, Hartnack S, Kunzmann P. "What If It Was Your Dog?" Resource Shortages and Decision-Making in Veterinary Medicine-A Vignette Study with German Veterinary Students. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10020161. [PMID: 36851465 PMCID: PMC9961434 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10020161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The here presented vignette study was part of a survey on ethical judgement skills among advanced veterinary students at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation. The vignette describes a fictitious dilemma in veterinary practice due to medication supply shortages. First, the students should make an ethically justified decision: who of the two patients in the waiting room gets the last dosage of a medication. Important factors were the animal patients' characteristics (age, state of health, life expectancy), the patient owners' wellbeing, and context-related criteria. Second, the students were asked for decisional changes if one of the patients was their own dog. They reacted in four different ways: (1) for a professional, this should not make a difference; (2) most likely being "egoistic" and preferring their own dog; (3) giving the medication to the other dog; and (4) avoiding a decision. Finally, the students judged a list of possible solutions to the dilemma on a 9-point scale. They preferred patient-related criteria to patient-owner-related criteria in this task. In the overall results, it became obvious that no "gold standard" or guidelines for situations of medication shortages exist, yet, which presents an important subject for future research and veterinary ethics teaching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Persson
- Applied Ethics in Veterinary Medicine Group, Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, Geb. 116, 30173 Hannover, Germany
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Bernoullistrasse 28, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
- Correspondence:
| | - Wiebke-Rebekka Gerdts
- Applied Ethics in Veterinary Medicine Group, Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, Geb. 116, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Sonja Hartnack
- Section of Epidemiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr. 270, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Peter Kunzmann
- Applied Ethics in Veterinary Medicine Group, Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, Geb. 116, 30173 Hannover, Germany
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Ethical and Practical Considerations Associated with Companion Animal Euthanasia. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13030430. [PMID: 36766319 PMCID: PMC9913502 DOI: 10.3390/ani13030430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The reality that euthanasia in veterinary practice can end animal suffering but can also be used in circumstances that do not serve an animal's interest, can be a benefit for animals, and a burden for veterinary professionals, respectively. This essay addresses ethical and practical concerns associated with companion animal euthanasia, including defining euthanasia, why and when euthanasia should be performed, applying euthanasia in practice, contemporary methods, aftercare of deceased animals, and the consequences of euthanasia and dysthanasia for animals, animal owners, and veterinary professionals. We contend that an intention-based definition of euthanasia should be strictly applied in veterinary practice and that practitioners view euthanasia decisions as requests that can (and in some cases should) be declined, rather than as mandates.
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Reviewing a Decade of Change for Veterinarians: Past, Present and Gaps in Researching Stress, Coping and Mental Health Risks. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12223199. [PMID: 36428425 PMCID: PMC9686667 DOI: 10.3390/ani12223199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Veterinary medicine is a highly complex profession that includes a very specific set of stressors that range from individual to social aspects, with several of them being relevant risk factors for a variety of conditions. The aim of this systematic review was to identify and cluster the material on stressors and suicidality in the veterinarian practice published during the last 10 years. The systematic review was conducted employing the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines using PubMed, PsycNet, Google Scholar, Medline, PsycINFO, PSYNDEX and Web of Science (2012-present) by two independent researchers resulting in the inclusion of 30 quantitative and mixed methods studies. Results of these studies on stressors were categorized using the bio-psycho-social model showing that social stressors play a prominent role. This category includes the largest number of stressors indicating that the human-human interactions in the veterinarian practice are the main stressor, underlining that training in communication techniques is a potential starting point for interventions. In addition to stressors, the results showed an additional category "psychological consequences" describing mental health disorders and suicide. Although there are still gaps in research there is enough evidence to establish more tailored health promotion measures for veterinarians.
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Connolly CE, Norris K, Martin A, Dawkins S, Meehan C. A taxonomy of occupational and organisational stressors and protectors of mental health reported by veterinary professionals in Australasia. Aust Vet J 2022; 100:367-376. [PMID: 35560212 PMCID: PMC9544948 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM To develop a taxonomy of positive and negative occupational and organisational factors reported that impact the mental health of veterinary professionals. METHODS Veterinary professionals working in Australasia were surveyed between February and June of 2021. The survey comprised two questions related to participants' perceptions of the positive and negative aspects of their job role that impact their mental health and wellbeing. Reflexive thematic analysis was employed to analyse the responses and generate two taxonomies of occupational and organisation stressors and protectors reported by participants. RESULTS Fifty-three responses from veterinary professionals were analysed. The final stressor taxonomy generated contained 9 overarching themes and 36 subthemes. The most common of these were negative work conditions, challenging relationships with clients, and adverse events and patient outcomes. The taxonomy of protectors contained 11 overarching themes and 32 subthemes, with the most common including fulfillment and satisfaction, positive work conditions, and relationships with colleagues. CONCLUSION This study is the first to examine both positive and negative factors in the veterinary industry reported by veterinary professionals in Australasia. The results highlighted stressors that can be addressed on both an individual and organisational level to promote the mental and health well-being of professionals working in the animal care industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Connolly
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - K Norris
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - A Martin
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - S Dawkins
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - C Meehan
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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