In-Depth Presentation

Thursday, October 1

11:00am-12:00pm

From Conflict to Meaning: Using Science to Reduce Stress from Difficult Client Interactions in the Veterinary Profession

Caring for a companion animal with chronic illness can lead to “caregiver burden,” or distress in the client due to the challenges of caregiving. Research shows that daily interaction with burdened clients is associated with a “burden transfer” to the veterinary healthcare team. That burden transfer, in turn, is associated with greater stress and burnout for people working in the field. Fortunately, research from our lab suggests it is possible to reduce burden transfer and occupational distress using a tailored, evidence-based approach. Results will be shared from randomized trials demonstrating efficacy of an evidence-based educational program to reduce burden transfer, stress, and burnout in veterinary personnel across multiple modalities. A brief overview of the approach and exposure to experiential techniques used in the program will be provided.

Mary Beth Spitznagel

PhD (Clinical Psychology)

Dr. Spitznagel completed a PhD in clinical neuropsychology at Ohio University and Fellowship at Brown University Medical School. Her research examines caregiver burden in pet owners and how that burden impacts veterinary healthcare teams, as well as establishing evidence-based methods to decrease distress in both groups. She is Professor of Psychological Sciences at Kent State University and a former Fellow of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Change Leadership Program.