Willing but Unable: Moral Distress and Burnout in Italian Veterinarians Working with Companion and Farm Animals
2024

Moral Distress and Burnout in Italian Veterinarians

Sample size: 704 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Emanuela Prato-Previde, Barbara De Mori, Nicoletta Colombo, Annalisa Pelosi

Primary Institution: University of Milan

Hypothesis

What is the relationship between moral distress and burnout in Italian veterinarians working with companion and farm animals?

Conclusion

Italian veterinarians experience low levels of moral distress but high levels of work-related stress and burnout, particularly among women.

Supporting Evidence

  • More than 50% of veterinarians reported medium/high levels of burnout.
  • Work-related stress and moral distress were greater in women.
  • Veterinarians reported low levels of moral distress despite high work-related stress.

Takeaway

Veterinarians often feel stressed and burned out from their work, especially when they have to make tough choices about animal care.

Methodology

An online survey was conducted among 781 Italian veterinarians to assess moral distress, burnout, and work-related stress.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to self-selection of participants and reliance on self-reported measures.

Limitations

The study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to bias.

Participant Demographics

704 veterinarians, 70.3% women, average age 43.5 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/ani14243691

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