Wellbeing support still needed in practice, survey suggests
Eighty-two per cent of veterinary professionals used medications and supplements to calm pets.
A survey has highlighted the methods that veterinary professionals use to care for their wellbeing, as well as keeping their animal patients calm.
Despite 93 per cent of respondents agreeing that the mental health of veterinary staff should be taken seriously, 43 per cent of veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses felt staff wellbeing could be improved in their practice.
The Big Chill survey, conducted by the NVS Group, was designed to raise awareness of how veterinary teams can manage the stress levels of their patients, as well as their own personal wellbeing. Respondents were asked what methods they used to to handle anxious animals and look after their own wellbeing.
On the matter of their personal wellbeing, most veterinary surgeons and nurses said that they made sure they took regular breaks and kept their workload manageable. They valued supportive workplace environments, which foster a positive team culture and out of work team activities.
Self-care activities, including fitness and hobbies, were also important tools to wellbeing.
Stressed and nervous animals proved to be a common occurrence in veterinary practice, with 92 per cent of veterinary professionals encountering stressed animals daily. Veterinary surgeons and nurses said that they would take their time with these patients, using treats and pet remedies to keep pets calm and quiet.
Medication and supplements were used by 82 per cent of veterinary professionals to calm animals during consultations.
Gemma Vardy, a spokesperson for NVS Group, said: “The responses we received have been very thought provoking. There are some strong common themes that run through all the answers, such as the need for open communication and a supportive team.
“We hope that veterinary teams find these results useful and think about how these techniques can be incorporated into daily working life.”
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Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
