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Duncan AJ, Henry MK, Lamont K. Combining sentiment analysis and text mining with content analysis of farm vet interviews on mental wellbeing in livestock practice. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304090. [PMID: 38776300 PMCID: PMC11111023 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of the How Farm Vets Cope project was to co-design, with farm veterinary surgeons, a set of web-based resources to help them and others deal with the different situations that they can face. As part of the wider project, participants were recruited for one-to-one semi-structured phone interviews. These interviews focused on elements of job satisfaction and how the participants coped during periods of poor mental wellbeing or with setbacks and failure. METHODS Transcripts of these interviews were analysed using both quantitative methods of sentiment analysis and text mining, including term frequency/inverse document frequency and rapid automated keyword extraction, and qualitative content analysis. The twin aims of the analysis were identifying the important themes discussed by the participants and comparing the results of the two methods to see what differences, if any, arose. RESULTS Analysis using the afinn and nrc sentiment lexicons identified emotional themes of anticipation and trust. Rapid automated keyword extraction highlighted issues around age of vets and support, whilst using term frequency/inverse document frequency allowed for individual themes, such as religion, not present across all responses, to be identified. Content analysis supported these findings, pinpointing examples of trust around relationships with farmers and more experienced vets, along with some examples of the difference good support networks can make, particularly to younger vets. FINDINGS This work has confirmed previous results in identifying the themes of trust, communication and support to be integral to the experience of practicing farm veterinary surgeons. Younger or less experienced vets recognised themselves as benefiting from further support and signposting, leading to a discussion around the preparation of veterinary students for entry into a farm animal vet practice. The two different approaches taken showed very good agreement in their results. The quantitative approaches can be scaled to allow a larger number of interviews to be utilised in studies whilst still allowing the important qualitative results to be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J. Duncan
- Northern Faculty, Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Centre for Epidemiology and Planetary Health, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), Inverness, United Kingdom
- UHI Inverness, University of the Highlands and Islands, 1 Inverness Campus, Inverness, United Kingdom
| | - Madeleine K. Henry
- Northern Faculty, Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Centre for Epidemiology and Planetary Health, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), Inverness, United Kingdom
| | - Kate Lamont
- Northern Faculty, Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Centre for Epidemiology and Planetary Health, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), Inverness, United Kingdom
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Sonneveld D, Goverts Y, Duijn CCMA, Camps G, Bougie R, Mastenbroek NJJM. Dutch veterinary graduates leaving practice: A mixed-methods analysis of frequency and underlying reasons. Vet Rec 2023; 192:e2178. [PMID: 36056552 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.2178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of veterinarians graduated between 2009 and 2019 in the Netherlands leaving practice, their reasons for leaving and the relative importance of these reasons. METHODS Study 1 (focus group sessions, n = 14) of this project was aimed at defining the reasons Dutch veterinarians have for leaving veterinary practice within 10 years of graduation. In study 2, the frequency of veterinarians leaving veterinary practice and the relative importance of the reasons for leaving identified in study 1 were investigated through a cross-sectional digital survey. A career in veterinary practice was defined as working in first- or second-line veterinary practice. Leaving practice was defined as ending employment in veterinary practice. RESULTS The results of study 1 yielded 20 reasons given by veterinarians to leave veterinary practice within 10 years of graduation. One of the reasons obtained by this study was not mentioned in literature before: leaving veterinary practice as a pre-planned career path. Study 2 demonstrated that the mean percentage of respondents from graduation years 2009 to 2014 who left practice within 5 years of graduation was 16.8%. The most important reasons respondents gave for this career move were poor work-life balance, excessive workload, insufficient remuneration and perceived lack of employer support. CONCLUSION A substantial number of veterinarians leave veterinary practice within 5 years of graduation. The most important reasons for this decision are excessive job demands or insufficient job resources. Furthermore, these reasons are a result of negative experiences regarding organisation of work, management and remuneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danse Sonneveld
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- TIAS School for Business and Society, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Guido Camps
- Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Roger Bougie
- TIAS School for Business and Society, Tilburg, The Netherlands
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Payne E, Morton E, Lally C, Remnant J. Farm animal careers and perception of 'fit' in undergraduate veterinary students: A mixed methods study. Vet Rec 2023; 192:e2339. [PMID: 36341764 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.2339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recruitment and retention of farm veterinarians have been the focus of recent research. Previous work suggests that a feeling of 'fit' is important for students to consider a farm career. The aim of this study was to identify whether students feel that they 'fit' in farm practice and reasons for their answer. METHODS An online survey was distributed to students at all British and Irish veterinary schools. A mixed methods approach was considered, with thematic analysis on free text answers and regression analysis on demographic variables. RESULTS Thematic analysis identified six themes: career opportunities, nature of farm veterinary work, relationships and interactions, individual experiences, expectations and perceptions, and no perceived barriers. Females, marginalised ethnic groups and those from an urban/suburban background were all identified as having significantly (p < 0.05) less agreement with the statement 'I feel able to pursue a career in farm practice'. LIMITATIONS Survey limitations include those with a clear bias being likely to respond. However, alignment of the qualitative and quantitative results increased confidence in the findings of this mixed methods approach. CONCLUSION This study confirms that biases that exist within wider society do have an influence on veterinary undergraduates' intentions to pursue a farm animal career. This is vital to consider both at a university level and when considering students' experiences on placements. Urgent action is required to improve inclusivity in the farm animal veterinary sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Payne
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Emily Morton
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Christopher Lally
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - John Remnant
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Timmenga FSL, Jansen W, Turner PV, De Briyne N. Mental well-being and diversity, equity, and inclusiveness in the veterinary profession: Pathways to a more resilient profession. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:888189. [PMID: 35967992 PMCID: PMC9372717 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.888189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mental well-being (MWB) and diversity, equity, and inclusiveness (DEI) continue to be critical within the veterinary profession but there is less information regarding how professional associations around the world tackle these issues. A mixed-method study including an international online survey in English (n = 137 responses via snowball sampling), fourteen interviews, and two webinars was used to identify the availability and impact of MWB and DEI support programs for veterinarians. Survey results showed that more veterinary organizations designated MWB and DEI challenges (54%, n = 43/79 and 58%, n = 45/78, respectively) as a key priority area than veterinary clinics (26%, n = 15/57 and 33%, n = 19/57, respectively). Whereas, MWB support programs were available in a moderate number of mainly English-speaking countries, DEI support programs were available in only a few countries and focused primarily on specific groups, with an unknown impact due to their recent implementation. Universally, survey respondents believed activities for specific groups, such as MWB webinars, training, and awareness campaigns, as well as MWB/DEI helplines and DEI peer-to-peer support programs had a high impact (median 3.5–4/5) yet were underemployed by both veterinary organization and veterinary clinics. Further feedback from respondents during focused interviews indicated that requiring initial and continuing training as well as tailored group activities would be most beneficial to improve MWB/DEI throughout the veterinary professional career. There are many areas of the intersection between MWB and DEI that remain to be elucidated in the future studies. Having a sufficient sample size, improving accessibility, and addressing varying cultural perceptions are the main challenges, as seen in our study. To truly address MWB and DEI disparities, change is also needed in veterinary workplace culture and environment. In conclusion, raising awareness for an inclusive profession, including increasing openness and acceptance to enhance DEI and destigmatizing MWB challenges, is needed to ensure a thriving, modern veterinary profession.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wiebke Jansen
- Federation of Veterinarians of Europe, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Patricia V. Turner
- Global Animal Welfare and Training, Wilmington, MA, United States
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Nancy De Briyne
- Federation of Veterinarians of Europe, Brussels, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Nancy De Briyne
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Ryan EG, Beatty SH, Gray E, Field N, Liston R, Rhodes V, Donlon J. Factors affecting retention of veterinary practitioners in Ireland: a cross-sectional study with a focus on clinical practice. Ir Vet J 2022; 75:13. [PMID: 35668510 PMCID: PMC9172024 DOI: 10.1186/s13620-022-00222-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retention of veterinary practitioners has arisen as a significant problem in recent years in Ireland. No prior Irish peer-reviewed publications have addressed this problem. An online questionnaire was available through social media and via email to Irish vets from January to November 2019. The aim of this survey was to ascertain the factors contributing to the problem of vet retention in Ireland. RESULTS A total of 370 eligible responses were received. The median age of respondents was 31 and the gender balance was 250 females (68%) to 118 males (32%). The majority of respondents worked in clinical practice 322 (89%), with 138 (42.8%) in mixed practice, 115 (35.7%) in small animal practice, 49 (15.2%) solely with farm animals and 20 (6.2%) in equine practice. Fifty-four percent of respondents described themselves as likely to be leaving their current job within two years and 32.8% as being likely to leave the profession. In total, 44 variables were assessed by univariate analysis and 27 variables were significantly (P < 0.05) associated with the likelihood of a respondent leaving their current job within 2 years (LCJ2), as a proxy measure of the problem of retention. All variables significant on univariate analysis at P < 0.2 were included in a multivariable logistic regression model. Factors associated with LCJ2 included satisfaction with work-life balance (Odds Ratio (OR) 0.33); satisfaction with working hours (OR 0.2); number of years qualified (OR 0.91); position as a practice owner/partner/director (OR 0.15); and log10salary (OR 0.03). Four variables were retained in a separate multivariable linear regression model as significant (P < 0.05) predictors of log10salary. Log10salary increased with years qualified. Males had an increased salary compared to females irrespective of years qualified. Part-time employees, vets on maternity leave or postgraduate vets had a lower log10salary. Compared to veterinary employees, self-employed or locum vets had a higher log10salary. CONCLUSIONS Veterinary employers should consider salary, working hours and the facilitation of a good work-life balance in order to successfully retain veterinary employees. The significant difference in salaries currently offered to male and female vets, and the high percentage of respondents considering leaving the profession, are important findings and warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eoin G Ryan
- Progressive Veterinary Network (PVN), Dublin, Ireland.
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | | | | | - Niamh Field
- Progressive Veterinary Network (PVN), Dublin, Ireland
- Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - Rory Liston
- Progressive Veterinary Network (PVN), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Victoria Rhodes
- Progressive Veterinary Network (PVN), Dublin, Ireland
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - John Donlon
- Progressive Veterinary Network (PVN), Dublin, Ireland
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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Svensson C, Lomander H, Kokko S. Veterinary herd health management—Experiences and perceptions among Swedish dairy cattle veterinarians. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:6820-6832. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-21184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Abstract
Recruitment and retention is a big problem for the farm vet sector, but it could be overcome by implementing small improvements at all stages of the farm vet pipeline, argues John Remnant.
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Arbe Montoya AI, Hazel SJ, Hebart ML, McArthur ML. Risk factors associated with veterinary attrition from clinical practice: a descriptive study. Aust Vet J 2021; 99:495-501. [PMID: 34389973 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A sustainable workforce is important for the veterinary profession to meet the demands of society. To maintain a sustainable workforce, it has been recommended to retain veterinary clinicians. However, there seems to be an increasing issue with retention of veterinarians in clinical practice. In the following study, the researchers sought to understand the associations between demographic and work-related factors and attrition of veterinarians from clinical practice. Responses to an online cross-sectional survey of 881 current and former Australian veterinary clinicians were analysed. A logistic regression model was used to identify and describe associations between attrition from veterinary clinical practice and salary, working hours, role in practice, years of experience, field of work, interaction with regulatory authorities, region of work and on-call duties. Lower salary, longer working hours, having on-call duties and having worked in both rural and metropolitan regions were found to significantly (P < 0.05) increase the likelihood of leaving clinical practice. The results may inform intervention strategies to assist the industry to retain veterinarians in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- A I Arbe Montoya
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, 5371, Australia
| | - S J Hazel
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, 5371, Australia
| | - M L Hebart
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, 5371, Australia
| | - M L McArthur
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, 5371, Australia
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Payne E, Cobb K, Oldham J, Remnant J. Attitudes of UK veterinary students towards careers in the production animal sector: A mixed methods approach. Vet Rec 2021; 189:e455. [PMID: 34008234 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Within the production animal sector, it has long been forecast that demand for veterinary services could outstrip supply. This study aims to identify factors influencing veterinary undergraduates' attitudes towards a career in farm animal veterinary practice and how those factors may be influenced by their experiences during their time as an undergraduate. METHODS An online survey was distributed to all vet schools in the UK and Ireland. Thematic analysis and descriptive data analysis were performed on the 1146 responses received. RESULTS Seven themes were identified: relationships, preferences and interest, fit, direct experience, fear, ethics and values and lifestyle. When considering first job choice, extra mural studies (EMS) and personal interest (60% and 75% of respondents respectively) were very influential. Factors that appeal or put off respondents from a career in farm animal varied dependent on anticipated first job (p < 0.001), but working hours and out of hours were consistently identified as barriers. CONCLUSION The results highlight the importance of EMS being more transparent about the profession and using the opportunity to discuss undergraduate concerns regarding farm animal practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Payne
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, UK
| | - Kate Cobb
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, UK
| | - John Oldham
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, UK
| | - John Remnant
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, UK
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Adam KE, Bruce A, Corbishley A. Veterinary Interventions to Improve Neonatal Survival on British Beef and Sheep Farms: A Qualitative Study. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:619889. [PMID: 33614763 PMCID: PMC7890239 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.619889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neonatal lamb and calf deaths are a major issue in UK agriculture. Consistent mortality rates over several decades, despite scientific advances, indicate that socioeconomic factors must also be understood and addressed for effective veterinary service delivery to improve lamb and calf survival. This qualitative study utilised semi-structured interviews with vets and farmers to explore the on-farm mechanisms and social context, with a particular focus on the role of the vet, to manage and reduce neonatal losses in beef calves and lambs on British farms. Data were analysed using a realist evaluation framework to assess how the mechanisms and context for veterinary service delivery influence survival as the outcome of interest. A lack of a clear outcome definition of neonatal mortality, and the financial, social and emotional impact of losses on both vets and farmers, are barriers to recording of losses and standardisation of acceptable mortality levels at a population level. Despite this, there appears to be an individual threshold on each farm at which losses become perceived as problematic, and veterinary involvement shifts from preventive to reactive mechanisms for service delivery. The veterinarian-farmer relationship is central to efforts to maximise survival, but the social and economic capital available to farmers influences the quality of this relationship. Health inequalities are well-recognised as an issue in human healthcare and the findings indicate that similar inequalities exist in livestock health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Adam
- Innogen Institute, Science Technology and Innovation Studies, School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ann Bruce
- Innogen Institute, Science Technology and Innovation Studies, School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander Corbishley
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Sciences and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
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Arbe Montoya AI, Hazel SJ, Matthew SM, McArthur ML. Why do veterinarians leave clinical practice? A qualitative study using thematic analysis. Vet Rec 2021; 188:e2. [DOI: 10.1002/vetr.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra I. Arbe Montoya
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science The University of Adelaide Roseworthy South Australia Australia
| | - Susan J. Hazel
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science The University of Adelaide Roseworthy South Australia Australia
| | - Susan M. Matthew
- College of Veterinary Medicine Washington State University Pullman Washington USA
| | - Michelle L. McArthur
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science The University of Adelaide Roseworthy South Australia Australia
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Adam KE, Baillie S, Rushton J. ‘Clients. Outdoors. Animals.
’: retaining vets in UK farm animal practice-thematic analysis of free-text survey responses. Vet Rec 2019; 184:121. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.105066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Revised: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Adam
- Innogen Institute, Science Technology and Innovation Studies, School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh; Edinburgh UK
| | - Sarah Baillie
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol; Bristol UK
| | - Jonathan Rushton
- Epidemiology and Population Health; Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool; Liverpool UK
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Problems with retention? Vet Rec 2015. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.h3323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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