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Low and No-Contact Euthanasia: Associated Ethical Challenges Experienced by Veterinary Team Members during the Early Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Quain, Anne; Mullan, Siobhan; Ward, Michael P.
  • Quain A; Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
  • Mullan S; School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland.
  • Ward MP; Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
Animals (Basel) ; 12(5)2022 Feb 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1702141
ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many veterinary practices around the world have shifted to a low or no-contact consultation model to ensure the safety of their team members and clients, and comply with public health orders, while continuing to provide veterinary care.

METHODS:

We performed reflexive thematic analysis on a subset of data collected using a mixed-methods survey of veterinary team members globally.

RESULTS:

There were 540 valid responses available for analysis. Low and no-contact euthanasia we raised as a common and/or stressful ethical challenge for 22.8% of respondents. We identified five key themes no-contact euthanasia as a unique ethical challenge; balancing veterinary team safety with the emotional needs of clients; low and no-contact protocols may cause or exacerbate fear, anxiety and distress in veterinary patients; physical distancing was more challenging during euthanasia consultations; and biosecurity measures complicated communication around euthanasia and end-of-life decision making.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

In light of concerns highlighted by respondents, we recommend the development of a toolkit of protocols that will assist veterinary team members in performing low-contact euthanasia in a range of circumstances, in alignment with their values and professional ethical codes. Professional bodies may be involved in developing, updating and disseminating this information, and ensuring a continuous supply chain of PPE.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Type of study: Observational study Language: English Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Ani12050560

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Type of study: Observational study Language: English Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Ani12050560