Dyrlægens rolle i aflivningssituationen: Et kvalitativt studie af danske dyrlægers selvrapporterede rolle i forbindelse med aflivning af familiedyr, udfordringer de ser i forbindelse hermed, og psykologisk viden, de kunne have behov for.

The Veterinarian's Role During Euthanasia Encounters: A qualitative study examining how Danish veterinarians experience their role in relation to euthanizing a family pet, what challenges they face and what, if any, competencies, or psychological knowledge they find themselves lacking.

Vogt, Nadia

4. semester

Psykologi, Kandidat

2021

79

Mange kæledyrsejere oplever sorg, når et dyr bliver aflivet. Derfor forventes dyrlæger i stigende grad at støtte ejere i disse svære situationer. Internationale studier peger på, at dyrlæger ofte føler sig dårligt forberedt på en rådgiverrolle, men der findes kun lidt dansk forskning. Dette eksplorative studie undersøger, hvordan danske dyrlæger oplever deres rolle ved aflivning af familiens kæledyr, hvilke udfordringer de møder, og hvilke kompetencer eller psykologiske kundskaber de savner. Med en fænomenologisk-hermeneutisk tilgang (med fokus på oplevet erfaring og tolkning) blev der gennemført semistrukturerede interviews med fire danske kvindelige dyrlæger. Interviewene blev analyseret med tematisk analyse for at finde mønstre, som derefter blev forstået i lyset af teorier om følelsesarbejde, følelsesregler, sympati og rolleteori. Analysen pegede på fire hovedtemaer: den gode aflivningssamtale/-situation, følelsesudtryk, dyrlægens roller samt udfordringer og efterspurgte psykologiske kundskaber. Deltagerne beskrev tre roller: (1) rådgiver, der støtter sørgende ejere; (2) dyrenes beskytter, der sikrer velfærd og rettidig aflivning; og (3) medarbejder i en forretning, som ønsker at give kunder en god oplevelse, så de vender tilbage. De oplevede spændinger mellem disse til tider modstridende roller og vanskeligheder ved at støtte ejere i visse situationer. De fremhævede også begrænset træning i at give dårlige nyheder. Studiet peger på, at viden om sorg ved tab af kæledyr kan være nyttig. Implikationerne er tværfaglige. Selvom dyrlæger er bevidste om deres rådgiverrolle og allerede inddrager ejernes behov under aflivning, kan de have gavn af mere psykologisk efteruddannelse. Dette stemmer overens med fund fra andre lande. Der er behov for mere forskning for at udvikle eventuelle formelle træningsprogrammer og for at undersøge kæledyrsejeres oplevelser og behov under aflivning.

Many pet owners experience grief when a pet is euthanized. As a result, veterinarians are increasingly expected to support owners during these difficult encounters. International studies suggest that veterinarians often feel unprepared for this counseling role, but there is little research from Denmark. This exploratory study investigates how Danish veterinarians experience their role when euthanizing a family pet, the challenges they face, and what competencies or psychological knowledge they feel they lack. Using a phenomenological-hermeneutical approach (focusing on lived experience and its interpretation), the study conducted semi-structured interviews with four Danish female veterinarians. Interview transcripts were examined with thematic analysis to identify patterns, and these patterns were considered in light of theories of emotion work, feeling rules, sympathy, and role theory. Four main themes emerged: what constitutes a good euthanasia encounter; how feelings are expressed; the roles veterinarians take on; and the challenges they encounter and the psychological knowledge they seek. Participants described a threefold role: (1) counselor supporting grieving owners; (2) protector of animals, ensuring welfare and timely euthanasia; and (3) employee within a business, aiming to give clients a good experience so they may return. Veterinarians reported tensions between these sometimes conflicting roles and difficulties supporting owners in certain situations. They also noted limited training in communicating bad news. The study suggests that knowledge about grief related to pet loss could be helpful. The implications are interdisciplinary. Although veterinarians are aware of their counseling role and already take owners’ needs into account during euthanasia, they may benefit from more psychological training. This aligns with findings from other countries. Further research is needed to inform possible formal training programs and to explore pet owners’ experiences and needs during euthanasia.

[Dette resumé er omskrevet med hjælp fra AI baseret på projektets originale resumé]

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