Expectations and experiences of practising veterinarians throughout an 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction programme

ABSTRACT

Aims

To explore practising veterinarians’ expectations of an 8-week mindfulness training programme, their perceived barriers to participating in the programme, their experiences of the programme and the extent to which they continued to engage in mindfulness practices following training.

Methods

Participants were 10 companion animal veterinarians practising in Auckland, New Zealand. All took part in an 8-week mindfulness-based training programme. A longitudinal qualitative design was used: data were collected by structured interviews prior to the programme, upon completion of the programme and 3 months after completion. Data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify recurring themes, or patterns, within the data.

Results

Before commencing the programme, participants generally thought mindfulness training would provide some benefits for wellbeing but were otherwise not clear on what to expect. The main concerns about taking part were time constraints and apprehensions about potentially having to share personal information, and consequently how they might be perceived by other participants. On completion of the training programme, the opportunity to share experiences within the group with the support of a trained facilitator was reported as the most valuable aspect of the programme, rather than the mindfulness practices themselves. At the 3-month follow-up, participants reported they had learnt some useful techniques for managing stressful thoughts and situations, but despite the perceived benefits, few were still practicing mindfulness techniques.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Training in mindfulness practices may have some value for helping practicing veterinarians manage their wellbeing, but it is not a complete solution in itself. Participants reported that the greatest benefits came from facilitated peer support.

KEYWORDS:

• Mindfulness
• wellbeing
• stress management
• small animal practice
• social support
• professional networks

Acknowledgements

The research conducted was made possible through the funding approved by Dr Stephen Merchant and honoured by Pet Doctors NZ Ltd, who paid for ten veterinarians to participate in the MBSR programme. A further acknowledgement is due to the facilitator of the MBSR programme, who has since been continuously involved, utilising her expertise to uplift the wellbeing of the veterinary industry. Lastly, an honorary mention to the participants, whose many contributions have supported the wellbeing of their colleagues and the industry.