Plus-Hex CLINICAL
In the veterinary profession , animal behaviour is somewhat under-researched compared with other areas of practice , but the evidence we do have can be used to create a low-stress environment . The techniques outlined in this article are evidence-based , with research to support their effectiveness , and with little or no negative impact on patients , warranting their use in improving the overall wellbeing of patients in practice .
‘ Fear-free ’ practice
The term ‘ fear-free ’ has become popular , with more practices and veterinary professionals adopting this approach . However , completely fear-free practice is an unattainable goal , as there will always be elements of fear for patients . Public perception of fear-free practice is generally positive ; studies have found that clients are more willing to use practices that take this approach [ 1 ] . The term should not be encouraged , though , as it can set unrealistic expectations for clients , because a truly fear-free experience cannot be guaranteed .
Veterinary staff and client relationships are integral to creating a working business , so it is vital to establish transparency and trust between them . Therefore , setting more realistic and achievable expectations for clients , while still demonstrating benefits to their pets , is a preferable and more realistic goal . This can be achieved by using an alternative approach : working towards a culture of stress-reducing practice , which minimises stress for each patient as much as possible .
A study by Squair et al . [ 2 ] set out to investigate whether the use of low-stress techniques during consultations resulted in fewer stress-related behaviours in dogs . These techniques included minimal restraint when handling , offering treats during and after the consultation , and the use of local anaesthetics prior to blood sampling . Although the study concluded there were no direct effects in the short term , correlations were noted between reduced serum cortisol ( a marker of stress ) at the first visit , before these techniques were first used , and future visits after the interventions had been introduced . From this , there are grounds to suggest that small changes may , over time , help to reduce stress levels during future visits , and even small changes can have an impact . Therefore , we try to implement changes to our practice , however small , to promote a positive experience for patients .
Stressor stacking
Stressor stacking is the idea that multiple factors , which may on their own seem relatively insignificant , can amount to a significant amount of stress when combined . As outlined in Figure 1 [ 3 ] , a cat visiting the practice for a routine health check may have experienced four or five stressors before even reaching the practice [ 3 ] . Greater awareness of stressor stacking is needed by clients and the clinical team , with adjustments made in response to these heightened states of anxiety in patients . To help them reduce their pet ' s anxiety before arriving at the clinic , clients should be provided with information and resources
Figure 1 . Stressor stacking chart from International Cat Care / ISFM , demonstrating how multiple stressors can build up before a visit to the practice [ 3 ] .
Volume 39 ( 5 ) • October 2024
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