scholarly journals Exploring how veterinary professionals perceive and use grief support resources to support companion animal caregivers in Ontario, Canada

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alisha Matte ◽  
Deep Khosa ◽  
Michael Meehan
Keyword(s):  
Emotional State ◽  
Companion Animal ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Veterinary Profession ◽  
Grief Support ◽  
Human Animal Bond ◽  
Support Resources ◽  
Life Circumstances ◽  
Inductive Thematic Analysis ◽  
Supportive Needs

Objective: The aim of this study was to qualitatively explore veterinary professionals’ use and perceptions of grief resources and services to support companion animal caregivers following companion animal euthanasia. Background: The loss of a companion animal can be a source of great sorrow and grief. Like human loss, many companion animal caregivers may seek out and benefit from grief resources, of which veterinary professionals are often important providers. Yet, little is known about how, when or for what reasons veterinary professionals provide these resources. Methods: A qualitative study consisting of group and individual interviews involving 38 veterinary professionals and staff from 10 veterinary hospitals in Ontario, Canada was conducted. Verbatim transcripts were evaluated using inductive thematic analysis to identify themes and subthemes. Results: Results indicated that typically resources were only provided if a caregiver requested information, or when veterinary professionals recognised that the caregiver may benefit from these resources. To assess a caregiver’s need, participants reported considering their age, the strength of the human-animal bond, their previous and ongoing life circumstances, and their emotional state. Several barriers limiting veterinary professionals’ use of grief resources were also described including perceptions that few adequate resources existed and a lack of knowledge of existing or new resources. Conclusion: Overall, findings suggest that there are substantial opportunities to improve and embed a provision of grief resources within the veterinary profession. There is a need to develop adequate resources to meet caregivers’ supportive needs and implement these resources within the greater veterinary profession.  

Beyond Recovery

2015 ◽  
Vol 75 (2) ◽  
pp. 103-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul W. C. Wong ◽  
Kenny C. T. Lau ◽  
Lucia L. Liu ◽  
Gloria S. N. Yuen ◽  
Poon Wing-Lok
Keyword(s):  
Personal Growth ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Companion Animal ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Coping Behaviors ◽  
Professional Help ◽  
Pet Loss ◽  
Human Animal Bond ◽  
Loss Experience ◽  
Depth Interviews

It is a worldwide trend that more households are having pets or companion animals. Hence, there has been an increasing number of animal lovers experience companion animal loss bereavement. This form of bereavement has not been explored in Chinese societies. We conducted a qualitative study using in-depth interviews with 31 animal lovers and recruited through convenience and snowball sampling in Hong Kong. Companion animal loss bereavement appears to share similar features to other forms of bereavement but also has its unique features. The intensity of grief seemed to be affected by factors like the strength of the human–animal bond, lack of empathy from closed ones, being married without children, and euthanasia decision. Although the bereavement was distressful for many of our participants, many of them gradually achieved personal growth from their loss experience. We have identified seven common themes from the interview data and through self-reliance, social-supported, or professional-supported coping behaviors, people bereaved by animal loss can achieve growth from their experience. This study shows that postbereavement growth is possible from pet loss bereavement when appropriate coping strategies are adopted by the bereaved but some professional help may be needed.

scholarly journals Human-animal relationships and interactions during the Covid-19 lockdown phase in the UK: investigating links with mental health and loneliness

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Ratschen ◽  
Emily Shoesmith ◽  
Lion Shahab ◽  
Karine Silva ◽  
Dimitra Kale ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Clinical Importance ◽  
Companion Animal ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Human Animal Bond ◽  
Buffering Hypothesis ◽  
Human Animal ◽  
The Uk

Background: The Covid-19 pandemic raises questions about the role that relationships and interactions between humans and animals play in the context of widespread social distancing and isolation measures. We aimed to investigate links between mental health and loneliness, companion animal ownership, the human-animal bond, and human-animal interactions; and to explore animal owners’ perceptions related to the role of their animals during lockdown. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey of UK residents over 18 years of age was conducted between April and June 2020. The questionnaire included validated and bespoke items measuring demographics; exposures and outcomes related to mental health, wellbeing and loneliness; the human-animal bond and human-animal interactions. Results: Of 5,926 participants, 5,323 (89.8%) had at least one companion animal. Most perceived their animals to be a source of considerable support, but concerns were reported related to various practical aspects of providing care during lockdown. Strength of the human-animal bond did not differ significantly between species. Poorer mental health pre-lockdown was associated with a stronger reported human-animal bond (b = -.014, 95% CI [-.023 - -.005], p = .002). Animal ownership compared with non-ownership was associated with smaller decreases in mental health (b = .267, 95% CI [.079 - .455], p = .005) and smaller increases in loneliness (b = -.302, 95% CI [-.461 - -.144], p = .001) since lockdown. Conclusion: The human-animal bond is a construct of potential clinical importance to identify mental health vulnerability in animal owners. Animal ownership appeared to mitigate some of the detrimental psychological effects of lockdown. Further targeted investigation of the role of human-animal relationships and interactions for human health, including testing of the social buffering hypothesis and the development of instruments suited for use across animal species, is required.

Development and Acquisition of Knowledge of Youth Parasport Coaches

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 72-89
Author(s):  
Pierre Lepage ◽  
Gordon A. Bloom ◽  
William R. Falcão
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Social Factors ◽  
Physical Disability ◽  
Learning Experiences ◽  
Learning Opportunities ◽  
Future Generations ◽  
Trial And Error ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Inductive Thematic Analysis

The purpose of this study was to understand the learning experiences and acquisition of knowledge of youth parasport coaches. Five able-bodied male participants (M = 39 years old), who coached youth with a physical disability for an average of 7.4 years, participated in individual interviews. An inductive thematic analysis identified patterns within and across the data, allowing for description and interpretation of the meaning and importance of the themes. The results showed that coaches learned mostly from informal experiences, particularly through mentoring, trial and error, or use of technology. In addition, these learning opportunities were influenced by personal, environmental, and social factors. These findings can help to guide current and future generations of coaches of youth participants with a physical disability by highlighting available resources and addressing several barriers and facilitators to their learning.

scholarly journals Important but Impractical: Hand Hygiene Among Operating Room Anesthesia Providers

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s285-s286
Author(s):  
Sadie Mae Moseley ◽  
Andrea Ankrum ◽  
Normidaris Jimenez ◽  
Alyssa Guthrie ◽  
Felicia Scaggs Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Operating Room ◽  
Likert Scale ◽  
Nurse Anesthetists ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Anesthesia Providers ◽  
Performance Barriers ◽  
High Adherence ◽  
Suboptimal Adherence ◽  
Inductive Thematic Analysis

Background: Use of the WHO 5 Moments of Hand Hygiene (HH) by operating room (OR) anesthesia personnel has been called by some logistically unfeasible, despite evidence that HH can reduce patients’ risk of pathogen acquisition. We developed and implemented a set of 7 moments based on WHO guidance (Fig 1) with high adherence. We conducted this study 6 months later to determine whether the improvement was sustained. In addition, we sought to understand practices, beliefs, barriers, and perceptions among anesthesia providers regarding HH. Methods: We measured HH adherence by direct observation using locally developed 7 moments tailored to the anesthesia workflow during June–August 2019. Adherence was defined as the percentage of observed HH performed when a moment occurred. We used the theory of planned behavior (TPB) as a framework to conduct 11 individual interviews (8 attending anesthesiologists and 3 certified nurse anesthetists) with a semistructured instrument that included Likert scale and open-ended questions. Interview transcripts were reviewed and a codebook of themes was created through inductive thematic analysis. Resultant themes and Likert scale averages were grouped by the 3 key TPB variables. Results: In total, 294 HH moments were observed for 50 anesthesia providers during 36 cases. The average HH adherence was 21.1% with the highest adherence moment being after patient contact (61.7%). Interview participants stated universally that HH was important for patient care, but acknowledged barriers to performance. Barriers cited included interruption in workflow, a lack of evidence, lack of clarity of HH standard, and limited availability of product. Conclusions: Adherence to the 7 moments of HH for anesthesia providers was not sustained after 6 months. Providers identified numerous barriers to HH, including a lack of knowledge of a standard, as reasons for suboptimal adherence. These data suggest future interventions could be designed to address gaps in knowledge and remove barriers to improve HH adherence among OR anesthesia providers.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

scholarly journals Service user perspectives of an early intervention in psychosis service: a service evaluation

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 156-164
Author(s):  
Simon Watkins ◽  
Chris Sanderson ◽  
Victoria Richards
Keyword(s):  
Early Intervention ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Service Evaluation ◽  
Therapeutic Relationships ◽  
Service Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Open Questions ◽  
Early Intervention In Psychosis ◽  
Inductive Thematic Analysis

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to gather the perspectives of individuals accessing an early intervention in psychosis service (EIPS), in order to inform service development. Design/methodology/approach Individual interviews (n=9) and one focus group (n=7) were conducted. Discussions focused on open questions pertaining to service users’ (SU’s) experiences of accessing the EIPS. The results were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Findings Inductive thematic analysis was used and three main themes were generated: consistency and communication, facilitating therapeutic relationships between EIPS staff and SU’s; pushing boundaries, relating to the importance of services taking a graded approach to developing therapeutic relationships and (re)engaging in activities; and normalising and validating experiences of psychosis. Participants emphasised the importance of relationships with EIPS staff and fellow SUs and highlighted how SUs can feel fearful and vulnerable when staff are not accessible or they view their care as inconsistent. Participants further emphasised the need for practitioners to balance an approach that de-stigmatises psychotic experiences whilst validating distress. Practical implications Consistency of support from EIPSs can be as important as flexibility. Clinicians should carefully consider the balance between validating and normalising distressing experiences associated with psychosis. Offering social activities with other SUs can facilitate therapeutic relationships and recovery but the results suggest that this should be facilitated in a graded way. Originality/value The paper addresses current need in the literature to understand the experiences of people using services in order to improve the quality of the services provided.

scholarly journals 10 The Impact of Global Disasters on Our Pets: Lessons from COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 5-6
Author(s):  
Alexandra Protopopova
Keyword(s):  
Support Services ◽  
Companion Animal ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Pet Ownership ◽  
Human Animal Bond ◽  
Human Animal ◽  
Complex Relationships ◽  
New Research ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The City

Abstract The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic provided a unique insight into the impacts of global disasters on pet ownership and companion animal services. This talk will review research on the impacts of various stages of the pandemic on the human-animal relationship, surprising increases in the adoption of pets from animal shelters around the world, and the potential reasons for those increases. I will also present new research on the impact of the pandemic on pet support services within the city of Vancouver, Canada, that will highlight the complex relationships between vulnerable human populations, the city’s response to the pandemic, and pet care. Finally, the COVID-19 pandemic, and its associated economic impact, have completely re-shaped the field of animal sheltering and companion animal support services. In addition to being recognized as an essential service, animal shelter and veterinary staff were confronted with the need to identify only necessary operations to ensure care of animals and their communities without the risk of contracting and transmitting the virus. As a result, emergent animal sheltering trends now emphasize community-based approaches, abolishing harmful discriminative practices, and aiming to keep pets and their original owners together – all from the framework of One Health/ One Welfare. As global disasters are projected to increase in frequency due to climate change, a better understanding of impacts on the human-animal bond and support services will ensure that we can be better prepared for the future.

Confronting behaviour in palliative care: a qualitative study of the lived experience of nursing staff

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 245-253
Author(s):  
Natalie Pejoski ◽  
Gemma Skaczkowski ◽  
Juli Moran ◽  
Hilary Hodgson ◽  
Carlene Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Metropolitan Hospital ◽  
Challenging Environment ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Inductive Thematic Analysis

Background: Little research examines the extent and impact of aggressive or uncomfortable ‘confronting behaviour’ experienced by palliative care nurses, despite palliative wards being an emotionally labile environment. Methods: Qualitative data on nurses' experiences of confrontation were collected from 17 palliative care nurses at a major metropolitan hospital via a focus group and individual interviews. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Findings: Results indicated that family members were the main perpetrators and tolerance of confrontation varied dependent on the characteristics of the aggressor. Confrontation was described as arising in response to grief, and because of misunderstandings of palliative care goals. Nurses reported a perceived lack of appreciation for their work from some patients' families and feelings of discontent with the nature and amount of structured support available following a confrontation. Informal workplace support helped nurses to deal with these incidents and, despite bad experiences, nurses affirmed their commitment to working in this area. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate the demands placed on nurses working in palliative care, and the importance of compassion in moderating the impact of a challenging environment.

The Human-Animal Bond and Loss: Providing Support for Grieving Clients

2004 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 244-259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamina Toray
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Companion Animal ◽  
Mental Health Counselors ◽  
Pet Loss ◽  
Grief Process ◽  
Human Animal Bond ◽  
Broad Framework ◽  
Human Animal

The purpose of this article is to increase mental health counselors' awareness of the importance of pets in the lives of their clients and to provide a greater understanding of the grief process accompanying the death of a companion animal. A broad framework for assessing clients' attachments to their pets and conceptualizing grief as it relates to pet loss will be presented.

scholarly journals A National Survey of Companion Animal Owners’ Self-Reported Methods of Coping Following Euthanasia

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 89
Author(s):  
Rachel Park ◽  
Kenneth Royal
Keyword(s):  
Support Group ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Companion Animal ◽  
Social Resources ◽  
Emotional Impact ◽  
Special Relationship ◽  
End Of Life Decisions ◽  
Unconditional Love ◽  
Group 4 ◽  
Human Animal Bond

(1) Background: The human–animal bond is often regarded as a special relationship in which owners benefit from unconditional love and perceived understanding from their companion animal. Thus, end-of-life decisions such as euthanasia may inflict significant emotional impact upon the companion animal owner and result in a complicated grief response. The purpose of this study was to examine the methods American companion animal owners utilize to cope with loss following companion animal euthanasia. (2) Methods: A total of 340 companion animal owners with experience euthanizing a companion animal completed an online survey asking how they found comfort after the loss of their companion animal. (3) Results: A total of 74.7% noted that they mourned privately, 58.2% sought social support, 32.1% adopted a new companion animal, 12.4% relied on faith or prayer and 0.9% participated in a support group. (4) Conclusions: Grief associated with companion animal loss is important. As a majority of clients that euthanized their companion animal mourn privately, the veterinary community must work towards identifying and providing appropriate, accessible social resources for bereaved companion animal owners to utilize, if desired.

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