Merck Animal Health released findings of its comprehensive study conducted in collaboration with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) examining the wellbeing and mental health of U.S. veterinarians.
Conducted in the fall of 2021, the wide-ranging Veterinary Wellbeing Study is the third survey since 2017 and the first since the COVID-19 pandemic began, with a goal to examine and bring critical awareness to the challenges impacting the veterinary profession, while highlighting the impact that the pandemic has on practitioners and staff. For the first time, the study includes responses from veterinary technicians and support staff and their perspectives on the challenges they are currently facing in work.
From hospital directors and practice owners, to veterinary technicians and administrative staff, the latest Wellbeing Study revealed the main barriers impacting those who practice veterinary medicine are the shortage of qualified staff and the fact that not all clinic or hospital employees have access to the same mental health tools as veterinarians. As part of Merck Animal Health’s ongoing commitment to identify the issues impacting veterinary wellbeing and provide solutions to support industry professionals, the company pledged to continue its support of AVMA’s Workplace Wellbeing program, "Train-the-Trainer" program, and relevant resources for veterinary technicians and support staff in the amount of $100,000 to help develop tools that advance mental health and wellbeing.
"Veterinary medicine is a profession that comes with the great satisfaction of caring for animals, but it also includes risk for mental and physical burnout as well as compassion fatigue," said Joseph Hahn, DVM, executive director, U.S. Companion Animal and Equine Professional Services, Merck Animal Health. "Our third wellbeing study in partnership with the AVMA is key in defining the underlying turbulence that is increasing these stressors across the profession, while helping us identify the most impactful solutions to energize and strengthen mental health for current and future veterinarians, technicians and support staff."
While 92% of respondents rated increased stress as one of their top mental health challenges, 88% cited student debt and concerns about the risk of suicide as leading stressors for veterinarians.
Read the full story at https://www.merck-animal-health.com/blog/2022/01/18/merck-animal-healths-third-veterinarian-wellbeing-study-reveals-increased-health-challenges-and-psychological-distress-among-veterinarians/
[Source: Merck Animal Health 18 January 2022]