A Cross-Sectional Study On Resilience To Burnout In Veterinary Surgeons In The United Kingdom

Resilience is a multidimensional construct that refers to a wide range of characteristics and processes that enable positive adaptation in the context of adversities. The resilience of veterinary surgeons, along with other healthcare professionals such as medical doctors, is constantly being tested by occupational stressors that are inherent to their profession. This thesis examines factors that characterise resilience in both human and animal healthcare clinicians. Literature review: Although there is wide disparity in the conceptualisation of resilience, there seems to be a consensus that resilience entails positive adjustment in the face of potentially traumatic experiences. The current systematic review appraised and synthesised findings from 13 quantitative articles. Overall, the findings suggest that higher resilience is associated with a wide array of both personand context-specific factors. Empirical report: The empirical study investigated the person- and occupation-specific resilience factors to burnout in veterinary surgeons in the United Kingdom. One of the main aims was to identify if the selected resilience variables buffer the impact of stress in burnout. The study employed a cross-sectional design. A total of 404 veterinary surgeons took part in the survey. The data were examined using descriptive and logistic regression analysis. Overall, the results showed that none of person- and occupation-specific resilience variables buffered the impact of stress on burnout. However, direct linear relationships were found between burnout, and sex, socially prescribed perfectionism, self-compassion, peer cohesion, and work pressure. The results also showed a consistently strong linear relationship between stress and burnout. The lack of buffering effect highlights the complexity of resilience to burnout in veterinary surgeons. Critical appraisal: The critical appraisal reviews learnings and reflections on the research process. An evaluation of personal and professional developmental issues was also discussed.