Downloaded from http://veterinaryrecord.bmj.com/ on June 19, 2015 - Published by group.bmj.com
Research
Research EDITORIAL
Psychological wellbeing of veterinary professionals Michael P. Meehan Chronic job stress is a major health concern for individuals, the organisations they work for and society. Over the past 10 years, the stress levels and psychological health of veterinarians have been consistently highlighted as important issues for the profession to monitor and address (Gardiner and Hini 2006, Hafen and others 2007, Bartram and others 2009, Platt and others 2012). Veterinarians experiencing high stress levels may suffer from insomnia, mental health difficulties, alcohol and drug abuse, difficulties in balancing their personal life and their career, and reduced job satisfaction (Gardiner and Hini 2006, Heath 2002, Meehan and Bradley 2007, Platt and others 2012). Alarmingly, suicide risk among vets is approximately three times that of the general population (Platt and others 2010). Work-related stressors that contribute to poor psychological health among vets include: long work hours, excessive after hours duties, low remuneration, unexpected outcomes of clinical cases, managing client conflict, performing euthanasia, and lack of control over treatments due to clients’ cost constraints (Bartram and others 2009). Societal changes over the past 10 years may also contribute indirectly to work-related stress. An important change in western society is that the bond between pets and people is increasingly being recognised as a legitimate attachment relationship (Brown and Silverman 1999, Fogle 1999, Toray 2004). Consequently, clients committed to
Michael P. Meehan, BSc, BVSc, PhD, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada e-mail: [email protected]
142 | Veterinary Record | February 8, 2014
the health and wellbeing of their pet expect high-quality veterinary services (Blackwell 2001). Vets therefore have to work hard to meet these demands. Recent world and economic changes such as the global financial crisis also place greater demands on the earning ability of veterinary employees. Another notable change in the profession is the increasing percentage of females entering veterinary schools and graduating as vets (approximately 70 to 80 per cent). There are gender differences in stress among vets and its predictors. Female vets experience significantly higher marital and family pressure on their career (Phillips-Miller and others 2000). They also report greater emotional distress in relation to treatment failures and carrying out euthanasia than males (Fogle and Abrahamson 1990, Bartram and Baldwin 2010). The high numbers of female veterinary graduates leaving their first job within two years suggest that the transition into practice is particularly stressful (Routly and others 2002). In addition, female vets and veterinary students are experiencing high rates of depression and anxiety (Bartram and others 2009). Clearly, research that continues to elucidate the current status of stress within our profession, especially among females in early stages of their career, is needed. In a paper summarised on p 144 of this issue of Veterinary Record, Mastenbroek and others (2013) explore levels and predictors of burnout and work engagement among recently graduated veterinarians in the Netherlands. A major strength and contribution of this study to the current veterinary stress literature is the use of a theoretical model (the job demandsresources model [JD-R] and the veterinary
Downloaded from http://veterinaryrecord.bmj.com/ on June 19, 2015 - Published by group.bmj.com
Research demands and resources questionnaire [Vet-DRQ]) that is validated and tailored for the veterinary profession (Demerouti and others 2001,Mastenbroek and others 2012). The JD-R is particularly informative because it incorporates both negative and positive predictors (job demands and job and personal resources) and outcome variables (exhaustion and work engagement) and is applicable to a wide range of working organisations and conditions. The research is timely and relevant as it explores gender differences in veterinarians transitioning into practice. Mastenbroek and others (2013) provide a comprehensive evaluation of veterinary burnout in the Netherlands and the strongest predictors of exhaustion (including workhome interference and workload). On the positive side, they also outline the strongest predictors of work engagement in recently graduated vets, such as opportunities for professional development and high levels of freedom to use their skills. Gender differences in health impairment and motivational processes are also reported, such as the finding that recently graduated females experience greater levels of exhaustion and less work engagement than their male counterparts. These findings remind us that our current and future vets are suffering from the deleterious consequences of stress. A practical implication for veterinary employers is to consider evaluating and monitoring employee workplace demands and resources using the JD-R. Monthly team meetings to openly discuss workrelated demands and a supportive and non-judgmental work environment could also reduce the stigma associated with psychological health issues. Veterinary educational institutions, associations and registration bodies should continue to raise collective awareness of mental health issues. Recent summits held by veterinary associations in Australia, Europe and North America suggest that awareness of mental wellbeing among vets is being raised and this should be applauded. Currently, minimal attention and research is being directed towards
evaluating strategies, programmes and curricula that aim to improve psychological wellbeing among veterinary students and practitioners. Longitudinal studies such as the groundbreaking studies of Heath (2002, 2007) are critical to exploring and documenting the psychological challenges associated with the different stages of the veterinary career path. Research exploring the positive potential of veterinary employees could help individuals and organisations to reach their full potential. The training and transition into practice of veterinary graduates is a shared responsibility of veterinary educators, institutions, associations, registration bodies and employers. Together we can work towards improving the psychological health of current and future vets. The study by Mastenbroek and others (2013) is not a wake-up call for our profession. We are already well aware of the serious consequences of job stress. It is an urgent reminder that we (whether employer or employee) need to act now, starting tomorrow by ‘checking in’ with colleagues and inquiring how they are. It is important to remember the real-life impact of this problem. The shrill sound from my mobile phone splits the 2 am cold Canadian air. I sleepily answer it, a call from Australia. A close friend and colleague is dead, suicide. The dull hollow shock I experience reminds me of the previous times over the past 20 years that I have heard news like this about veterinary colleagues. The thoughts and feelings I have pale in comparison with the prolonged grief his family and many others in our profession continue to endure. I would like to dedicate this article to those families.
References
BARTRAM, D. & BALDWIN, D. (2010) Veterinary surgeons and suicide: a structured review of possible influences on increased risk. Veterinary Record doi:10.1136/ vr.b4794 BARTRAM, D. J., YADEGARFAR, G. & Baldwin, D. S. (2009) A cross-sectional study of mental health and well-being and their associations in the UK veterinary profession. Societal Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology 44, 1075-1085 BLACKWELL, M. J. (2001) The 2001 Iverson Bell Symposium keynote address. Beyond philosophical differences: the future training of veterinarians. Journal
of Veterinary Medical Education 28, 148-152 BROWN, J. P. & SILVERMAN, J. (1999) The current and future market for veterinarians and veterinary medical services in the United States. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 215, 161-183 DEMEROUTI, E., BAKKER, A. B., NACHREINER, F. & SCHAUFELI, W. B. (2001) The job demandsresources model of burnout. Journal of Applied Psychology 86, 499-512 FOGLE, B. (1999) The changing roles of animals in western society: influences upon and from the veterinary profession. Anthrozoos 12, 234-239 FOGLE, B. & ABRAHAMSON, D. (1990) Pet loss: a survey of the attitudes and feelings of practicing veterinarians. Anthrozoos 3, 143-150 GARDINER, D. H. & HINI, D. (2006) Work-related stress in the veterinary profession in New Zealand. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 54, 119-124 HAFEN, M., RUSH, B. R., REISBIG, A. M. & MCDANIEL, K. Z. (2007) The role of family therapists in veterinary medicine: opportunities for clinical services, education, and research. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy 33, 165-176 HEATH, T. J. (2002) Longitudinal study of veterinarians from entry to the veterinary course to 10 years after graduation: attitudes to work, career and profession. Australian Veterinary Journal 80, 474-478 HEATH, T. (2007) Longitudinal study of veterinary students and veterinarians: the first 20 years. Australian Veterinary Journal 85, 281-289 Mastenbroek, N. J. J. M., Jaarsma, A. D. C., Demerouti, E., Muijtjens, A. M. M., Scherpbier, A. J. J. A. & van Beukelen, P. (2013) Burnout and engagement, and its predictors in young veterinary professionals: the influence of gender. Veterinary Record doi:10.1136/vr.101762 MASTENBROEK, N. J., JAARSMA, A. D., SCHERPBIER, A. J., BEUKELEN, P. V. & DEMEROUTI, E. (2012) The role of personal resources in explaining well-being and performance: a study among young veterinary professionals. European Journal of Work and Organisational Psychology 23, 190-202 MEEHAN, M. P. & BRADLEY, L. (2007) Identifying and evaluating job stress within the Australian small animal veterinary profession. Australian Veterinary Practitioner 37, 70-83 PHILLIPS-MILLER, D. L., CAMPBELL, N. J. & MORRISON, C. (2000) Work and family: satisfaction, stress and spousal support. Journal of Employment and Counseling 37, 16-30 PLATT, B., HAWTON, K., SIMKIN, S. & MELLANBY, R. J. (2010) Systematic review of the prevalence of suicide in veterinary surgeons. Occupational Medicine 60, 436-446 PLATT, B., HAWTON, K., SIMKIN, S. & MELLANBY, R. J. (2012) Suicidal behaviour and psychosocial problems in veterinary surgeons: a systematic review. Societal Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology 47, 223-240 ROUTLY, J. E., TAYLOR, I. R., TURNER, R., MCKERNAN, E. J. & DOBSON, H. (2002) Support needs of veterinary surgeons during the first few years of practice: perceptions of recent graduates and senior partners. Veterinary Record doi:10.1136/vr.150.6.167 TORAY, T. (2004) The human animal bond and loss: providing support for grieving clients. Journal of Mental Health Counseling 26, 244-259
doi: 10.1136/vr.g1419
February 8, 2014 | Veterinary Record | 143
Downloaded from http://veterinaryrecord.bmj.com/ on June 19, 2015 - Published by group.bmj.com
Psychological wellbeing of veterinary professionals Michael P. Meehan Veterinary Record 2014 174: 142-143
doi: 10.1136/vr.g1419 Updated information and services can be found at: http://veterinaryrecord.bmj.com/content/174/6/142
These include:
References Email alerting service
This article cites 16 articles, 1 of which you can access for free at: http://veterinaryrecord.bmj.com/content/174/6/142#BIBL Receive free email alerts when new articles cite this article. Sign up in the box at the top right corner of the online article.
Notes
To request permissions go to: http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions To order reprints go to: http://journals.bmj.com/cgi/reprintform To subscribe to BMJ go to: http://group.bmj.com/subscribe/
Research
Research EDITORIAL
Psychological wellbeing of veterinary professionals Michael P. Meehan Chronic job stress is a major health concern for individuals, the organisations they work for and society. Over the past 10 years, the stress levels and psychological health of veterinarians have been consistently highlighted as important issues for the profession to monitor and address (Gardiner and Hini 2006, Hafen and others 2007, Bartram and others 2009, Platt and others 2012). Veterinarians experiencing high stress levels may suffer from insomnia, mental health difficulties, alcohol and drug abuse, difficulties in balancing their personal life and their career, and reduced job satisfaction (Gardiner and Hini 2006, Heath 2002, Meehan and Bradley 2007, Platt and others 2012). Alarmingly, suicide risk among vets is approximately three times that of the general population (Platt and others 2010). Work-related stressors that contribute to poor psychological health among vets include: long work hours, excessive after hours duties, low remuneration, unexpected outcomes of clinical cases, managing client conflict, performing euthanasia, and lack of control over treatments due to clients’ cost constraints (Bartram and others 2009). Societal changes over the past 10 years may also contribute indirectly to work-related stress. An important change in western society is that the bond between pets and people is increasingly being recognised as a legitimate attachment relationship (Brown and Silverman 1999, Fogle 1999, Toray 2004). Consequently, clients committed to
Michael P. Meehan, BSc, BVSc, PhD, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada e-mail: [email protected]
142 | Veterinary Record | February 8, 2014
the health and wellbeing of their pet expect high-quality veterinary services (Blackwell 2001). Vets therefore have to work hard to meet these demands. Recent world and economic changes such as the global financial crisis also place greater demands on the earning ability of veterinary employees. Another notable change in the profession is the increasing percentage of females entering veterinary schools and graduating as vets (approximately 70 to 80 per cent). There are gender differences in stress among vets and its predictors. Female vets experience significantly higher marital and family pressure on their career (Phillips-Miller and others 2000). They also report greater emotional distress in relation to treatment failures and carrying out euthanasia than males (Fogle and Abrahamson 1990, Bartram and Baldwin 2010). The high numbers of female veterinary graduates leaving their first job within two years suggest that the transition into practice is particularly stressful (Routly and others 2002). In addition, female vets and veterinary students are experiencing high rates of depression and anxiety (Bartram and others 2009). Clearly, research that continues to elucidate the current status of stress within our profession, especially among females in early stages of their career, is needed. In a paper summarised on p 144 of this issue of Veterinary Record, Mastenbroek and others (2013) explore levels and predictors of burnout and work engagement among recently graduated veterinarians in the Netherlands. A major strength and contribution of this study to the current veterinary stress literature is the use of a theoretical model (the job demandsresources model [JD-R] and the veterinary
Downloaded from http://veterinaryrecord.bmj.com/ on June 19, 2015 - Published by group.bmj.com
Research demands and resources questionnaire [Vet-DRQ]) that is validated and tailored for the veterinary profession (Demerouti and others 2001,Mastenbroek and others 2012). The JD-R is particularly informative because it incorporates both negative and positive predictors (job demands and job and personal resources) and outcome variables (exhaustion and work engagement) and is applicable to a wide range of working organisations and conditions. The research is timely and relevant as it explores gender differences in veterinarians transitioning into practice. Mastenbroek and others (2013) provide a comprehensive evaluation of veterinary burnout in the Netherlands and the strongest predictors of exhaustion (including workhome interference and workload). On the positive side, they also outline the strongest predictors of work engagement in recently graduated vets, such as opportunities for professional development and high levels of freedom to use their skills. Gender differences in health impairment and motivational processes are also reported, such as the finding that recently graduated females experience greater levels of exhaustion and less work engagement than their male counterparts. These findings remind us that our current and future vets are suffering from the deleterious consequences of stress. A practical implication for veterinary employers is to consider evaluating and monitoring employee workplace demands and resources using the JD-R. Monthly team meetings to openly discuss workrelated demands and a supportive and non-judgmental work environment could also reduce the stigma associated with psychological health issues. Veterinary educational institutions, associations and registration bodies should continue to raise collective awareness of mental health issues. Recent summits held by veterinary associations in Australia, Europe and North America suggest that awareness of mental wellbeing among vets is being raised and this should be applauded. Currently, minimal attention and research is being directed towards
evaluating strategies, programmes and curricula that aim to improve psychological wellbeing among veterinary students and practitioners. Longitudinal studies such as the groundbreaking studies of Heath (2002, 2007) are critical to exploring and documenting the psychological challenges associated with the different stages of the veterinary career path. Research exploring the positive potential of veterinary employees could help individuals and organisations to reach their full potential. The training and transition into practice of veterinary graduates is a shared responsibility of veterinary educators, institutions, associations, registration bodies and employers. Together we can work towards improving the psychological health of current and future vets. The study by Mastenbroek and others (2013) is not a wake-up call for our profession. We are already well aware of the serious consequences of job stress. It is an urgent reminder that we (whether employer or employee) need to act now, starting tomorrow by ‘checking in’ with colleagues and inquiring how they are. It is important to remember the real-life impact of this problem. The shrill sound from my mobile phone splits the 2 am cold Canadian air. I sleepily answer it, a call from Australia. A close friend and colleague is dead, suicide. The dull hollow shock I experience reminds me of the previous times over the past 20 years that I have heard news like this about veterinary colleagues. The thoughts and feelings I have pale in comparison with the prolonged grief his family and many others in our profession continue to endure. I would like to dedicate this article to those families.
References
BARTRAM, D. & BALDWIN, D. (2010) Veterinary surgeons and suicide: a structured review of possible influences on increased risk. Veterinary Record doi:10.1136/ vr.b4794 BARTRAM, D. J., YADEGARFAR, G. & Baldwin, D. S. (2009) A cross-sectional study of mental health and well-being and their associations in the UK veterinary profession. Societal Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology 44, 1075-1085 BLACKWELL, M. J. (2001) The 2001 Iverson Bell Symposium keynote address. Beyond philosophical differences: the future training of veterinarians. Journal
of Veterinary Medical Education 28, 148-152 BROWN, J. P. & SILVERMAN, J. (1999) The current and future market for veterinarians and veterinary medical services in the United States. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 215, 161-183 DEMEROUTI, E., BAKKER, A. B., NACHREINER, F. & SCHAUFELI, W. B. (2001) The job demandsresources model of burnout. Journal of Applied Psychology 86, 499-512 FOGLE, B. (1999) The changing roles of animals in western society: influences upon and from the veterinary profession. Anthrozoos 12, 234-239 FOGLE, B. & ABRAHAMSON, D. (1990) Pet loss: a survey of the attitudes and feelings of practicing veterinarians. Anthrozoos 3, 143-150 GARDINER, D. H. & HINI, D. (2006) Work-related stress in the veterinary profession in New Zealand. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 54, 119-124 HAFEN, M., RUSH, B. R., REISBIG, A. M. & MCDANIEL, K. Z. (2007) The role of family therapists in veterinary medicine: opportunities for clinical services, education, and research. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy 33, 165-176 HEATH, T. J. (2002) Longitudinal study of veterinarians from entry to the veterinary course to 10 years after graduation: attitudes to work, career and profession. Australian Veterinary Journal 80, 474-478 HEATH, T. (2007) Longitudinal study of veterinary students and veterinarians: the first 20 years. Australian Veterinary Journal 85, 281-289 Mastenbroek, N. J. J. M., Jaarsma, A. D. C., Demerouti, E., Muijtjens, A. M. M., Scherpbier, A. J. J. A. & van Beukelen, P. (2013) Burnout and engagement, and its predictors in young veterinary professionals: the influence of gender. Veterinary Record doi:10.1136/vr.101762 MASTENBROEK, N. J., JAARSMA, A. D., SCHERPBIER, A. J., BEUKELEN, P. V. & DEMEROUTI, E. (2012) The role of personal resources in explaining well-being and performance: a study among young veterinary professionals. European Journal of Work and Organisational Psychology 23, 190-202 MEEHAN, M. P. & BRADLEY, L. (2007) Identifying and evaluating job stress within the Australian small animal veterinary profession. Australian Veterinary Practitioner 37, 70-83 PHILLIPS-MILLER, D. L., CAMPBELL, N. J. & MORRISON, C. (2000) Work and family: satisfaction, stress and spousal support. Journal of Employment and Counseling 37, 16-30 PLATT, B., HAWTON, K., SIMKIN, S. & MELLANBY, R. J. (2010) Systematic review of the prevalence of suicide in veterinary surgeons. Occupational Medicine 60, 436-446 PLATT, B., HAWTON, K., SIMKIN, S. & MELLANBY, R. J. (2012) Suicidal behaviour and psychosocial problems in veterinary surgeons: a systematic review. Societal Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology 47, 223-240 ROUTLY, J. E., TAYLOR, I. R., TURNER, R., MCKERNAN, E. J. & DOBSON, H. (2002) Support needs of veterinary surgeons during the first few years of practice: perceptions of recent graduates and senior partners. Veterinary Record doi:10.1136/vr.150.6.167 TORAY, T. (2004) The human animal bond and loss: providing support for grieving clients. Journal of Mental Health Counseling 26, 244-259
doi: 10.1136/vr.g1419
February 8, 2014 | Veterinary Record | 143
Downloaded from http://veterinaryrecord.bmj.com/ on June 19, 2015 - Published by group.bmj.com
Psychological wellbeing of veterinary professionals Michael P. Meehan Veterinary Record 2014 174: 142-143
doi: 10.1136/vr.g1419 Updated information and services can be found at: http://veterinaryrecord.bmj.com/content/174/6/142
These include:
References Email alerting service
This article cites 16 articles, 1 of which you can access for free at: http://veterinaryrecord.bmj.com/content/174/6/142#BIBL Receive free email alerts when new articles cite this article. Sign up in the box at the top right corner of the online article.
Notes
To request permissions go to: http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions To order reprints go to: http://journals.bmj.com/cgi/reprintform To subscribe to BMJ go to: http://group.bmj.com/subscribe/
