Veterinarians’ Emotional Reactions and Coping Strategies for Adverse Events in Spay-Neuter Surgical Practice

Authors: White, S.C.

Journal: Anthrozoos

Volume: 31

Issue: 1

Pages: 117-131

eISSN: 1753-0377

ISSN: 0892-7936

DOI: 10.1080/08927936.2018.1406205

Abstract:

This study is a thematic analysis of the experiences, thoughts, and reactions of shelter and spay-neuter veterinarians as they cope with serious adverse patient events (life-threatening complications or death) related to spay-neuter. Thirty-two veterinarians responded to an electronic questionnaire containing 22 open-ended questions relating to their emotions, thoughts, experiences and actions after adverse events. Participants experienced immediate and visceral reactions to adverse events during which they described feelings of guilt, sadness, anxiety, and self-doubt, and expressed empathy for their clients and for others affected by these events. Many controlled or managed their emotional response in the immediate aftermath of the event, both in order to complete the existing surgical workload and to maintain professional bearing. Participants’ initial reactions evolved over time to reflect their long-term resilience, or to be experienced as recurrent trauma. Four factors related to coping appeared to shape this long-term outcome: Technical Learning; Perspective and Appraisal; Support and Collegiality; and Emotional Learning. Nearly every participant emphasized the importance of technical learning in order to decrease future occurrences and improve skills. Participants used a variety of frames of reference to provide perspective, and place the adverse event in a larger context. Many veterinarians described the importance of conversations with other veterinarians following adverse events, both for technical advice and psychosocial support. Through experience, some participants attained emotional learning about how to handle and support themselves through an adverse event. Some veterinarians were able to process and move past the intrusive effects of sadness, guilt and self-doubt within a day to a week, while others were deeply affected for months or even years after a severe adverse event. Several veterinarians had considered leaving the field, and a few had stopped performing surgery. Understanding how spay-neuter veterinarians cope with adverse events could be integral to supporting the health and welfare of these skilled workers and retaining them in the field, decreasing the shame and self-doubt experienced by many, and encouraging information-sharing practices that foster continuous improvements in the patient care that spay-neuter clinics and shelters provide.

Source: Scopus