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Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4057-3295
Date Available
4-19-2025
Year of Publication
2023
Document Type
Capstone
Degree Name
Doctor of Social Work (DSW)
Faculty
Dr. Laura Escobar-Ratliff, DSW
Abstract
There are three separate yet interrelated products presented in this final capstone product. The completed product is focused on pet hospice veterinary support staff and the need for an evidence-based social work intervention to combat secondary traumatic stress. This capstone uses the andragogical approach to adult learning theory as the foundation to construct a psychoeducational peer support group specific to this population. Implications for clinical social work in veterinary medicine are presented within this project.
The first scholarly product presented is the Systematic Literature Review (SLR). The SLR utilizes a scoping review process in an attempt to locate prior research or data related to pet hospice veterinary support staff and secondary traumatic stress. No existing literature or research was found. Data was reviewed pertaining overall to animal health care providers (AHCPs) and separately around secondary traumatic stress within veterinary medicine. A total of eight (n = 8) articles met inclusion criteria for the SLR, once the data was reviewed and analyzed. This SLR informs clinical social work practice of a population inside the caregiving professions that are missing within the literature.
The second scholarly product presented is a conceptual paper that introduces the creation of psychoeducational support groups for pet hospice veterinary support staff. The occupational hazard of secondary traumatic stress is defined for this population and several concepts specific to pet hospice explored further. Psychoeducational support groups, using the andragogy within adult learning theory as a platform, provide the intervention for support within veterinary medicine.
The third and final scholarship product presented is the practice application paper, outlining how to operationalize a psychoeducational support group in a pet hospice setting with support staff. A new social work practice model is introduced. The Veterinary Support Group Model (VSGM), a 3-Phase Model, outlined over six weeks, is thoroughly conceptualized as the practice framework for pet hospice support staff to reduce secondary traumatic stress, build coping skills, and reduce isolation (Hayden, 2022).
This final product also explores limitations and future directions for practice, policy, and research. Further research is needed specific to pet hospice support staff. Diversity must be attended to within research; there was a lack of diversity in the eight articles included within the SLR. Recommendations are made for pet hospice agencies and animal hospitals to enhance mental health and social work services. Policy changes at mezzo and macro levels within veterinary medicine are suggested for sustainability and overall culture change.
Recommended Citation
Hayden, Kari, "Secondary Traumatic Stress is an Occupational Hazard for Pet Hospice Support Staff: Psychoeducational Support Groups Provide the Cure" (2023). DSW Capstone Projects. 52.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/csw_grad_reports/52
Included in
Animal Sciences Commons, Animal Studies Commons, Clinical and Medical Social Work Commons, Counseling Commons, Epistemology Commons, Other Medicine and Health Sciences Commons, Other Mental and Social Health Commons, Other Psychology Commons, Other Veterinary Medicine Commons, Psychiatric and Mental Health Commons, Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy Commons, Small or Companion Animal Medicine Commons, Social Work Commons, Theory and Philosophy Commons, Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Epidemiology, and Public Health Commons
