Merck Animal Health Veterinary Team study reveals factors associated with well-being, burnout, and mental health among nonveterinarian practice team members.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the levels of burnout, well-being, and mental health of nonveterinarian employees of veterinary practices and, for context, compare them to veterinarians and the general population by use of validated instruments. METHODS: An online survey of 2,271 nonveterinary practice employees drawn from members of the North American Veterinary Technicians Association, members of the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association, referrals from veterinarian respondents to a companion survey, and a large hospital group that owns several hundred US veterinary practices. The study was fielded from September 11 to October 9, 2023. RESULTS: A majority of practice team members were satisfied with their work in veterinary medicine. However, serious psychological distress was twice as prevalent among team members as among veterinarians and well-being was lower than that of veterinarians. Burnout was similar to veterinarians. Personality played a role: team members on average were more likely to score higher in neuroticism than veterinarians and the general population, and neuroticism was a predictor of low well-being, poor mental health, and burnout. There was also evidence of substantial financial stress among team members. CONCLUSIONS: Serious psychological distress was common among practice team members. Financial stress may play a role. Burnout and low levels of well-being were also common. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study provided a useful profile of the psychological conditions that many practice employees may be experiencing.

Work-life balance is essential to reducing burnout, improving well-being.

OBJECTIVE: To assess levels of burnout, well-being, and mental health of veterinarians and compare them to those of nonveterinarians by use of validated instruments, and to identify the predictive values of techniques individuals can use to help reduce burnout and/or improve well-being and mental health. SAMPLE: An online survey of 4,636 veterinarians from a random sample of 40,000 US veterinarians provided by the AVMA. METHODS: The study was fielded from September 11 to October 9, 2023. RESULTS: Burnout and well-being of veterinarians were generally consistent with that of employed US adults. Serious psychological distress was more common among veterinarians than in the general population. Veterinarians on average were more likely to score higher in neuroticism than nonveterinarians, and neuroticism was a predictor of low well-being, poor mental health, and burnout. Work-life balance, an effective coping mechanism for stress, and working in a positive clinic culture were among the significant factors that predicted good well-being and mental health and reduced burnout. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The higher percentage than the norm of veterinarians with serious psychological distress was a concern. Focusing on maintaining a good work-life balance and adopting a reliable coping mechanism can potentially help reduce distress. Veterinary medicine is an inherently stressful profession. The purpose of this study was to identify key factors that contribute to burnout, well-being, and mental health and to determine what behaviors and management techniques help reduce stress and burnout and contribute to well-being and mental health, thus improving job satisfaction and personal fulfillment.

Executive summary of the Merck Animal Health Veterinarian Wellbeing Study III and Veterinary Support Staff Study.

OBJECTIVE: Merck Animal Health Veterinarian Wellbeing Study III was conducted to continue to monitor mental health and well being within the veterinary profession in the US and to identify factors associated with high levels of wellbeing and lack of serious psychological distress. METHODS: A questionnaire consisting of several instruments and questions for measurement of mental health and wellbeing was completed by 2,495 veterinarians and 448 veterinary support staff. Results for veterinarians were weighted to the US AVMA membership. RESULTS: This study revealed that wellbeing and mental health of some veterinarians declined over the past 2 years, driven in part by the COVID-19 pandemic and extreme labor shortages. Burnout remained at a high level, but there was no increase in suicide ideation. A new companion survey of veterinary support staff demonstrated that staff scored lower in wellbeing and mental health, and higher in burnout than veterinarians. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Importantly, these studies identified techniques that both individuals and employers may find useful in fostering wellbeing and good mental health. A healthy method for coping with stress and good work-life balance was important, as was engaging a financial adviser for those with student debt or other financial stresses. Employers should create safe environments where employees feel comfortable seeking help, reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues. In addition, employers can provide Employee Assistance Programs and health insurance that covers mental health treatment. Fostering a healthy work culture was also important, one with good communication, teamwork, trust, and adequate time allotted to provide quality patient care.

Towards a More Connected Field of Community Development Education: Encouraging Community Well-Being Through an Engaged Symposium.

As society continues to shift and progress, the field of community development becomes more salient to the well-being and sustainability of rural and urban communities. Globalization, global pandemics, technological change, and devolution are among several issues impacting the well-being of rural townships and urban neighborhoods nationally and globally. Post-secondary community development degree programs may be vital in developing individuals to address these unique issues. However, due to the multidisciplinary nature of the field, there has been a lack of communication and consensus among educators regarding the necessary skills, theories, and practices to teach in these programs. In 2017, a foundational initiative was implemented to examine community development education higher education programs across the United States. A unique component of this initiative was the inaugural Community Development Education Symposium. This innovative symposium engaged many community development educators from a variety of fields in an intense, purposeful three day event. This article captures the synergy of bringing together community development educators in a uniquely structured symposium, to network, share expertise, and ultimately build a Community of Practice (CoP) towards a more connected field of community development education and ultimately enhancing the well-being of communities through their student graduates.

Are They Ready? Trials, Tribulations, and Professional Skills Vital for New Veterinary Graduate Success.

Stress and burnout levels are high among young veterinarians with the transition to practice being particularly challenging. This qualitative study aimed to capture and document the new graduate veterinary experience within the United States and which professional skills are most important for success during the transition to practice. The researchers sought to better understand this challenging transition period and provide insight for veterinary educators who are tasked with preparing new veterinary graduates for day 1 practice readiness. To gain a deeper understanding of the new graduate experience, a focus group was conducted with six veterinarians who recently graduated from four different U.S. veterinary colleges. Several themes arose regarding their experiences in the transition to practice including setbacks and adaptations, self-sufficiency and self-doubt, changing clientele and ethical dilemmas, leadership and conflict, and good vs. bad mentorship. Self-care, conflict management, and client communication were perceived as the most important professional skills for success in the transition to practice. New graduate veterinarians reported that they were least prepared for working with clients with financial constraints and managing conflict. Drawing from this qualitative data, the researchers propose several topics that could be incorporated into professional skills curriculum to further enhance day 1 preparedness of new veterinary graduates to promote well-being in the transition to practice.