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Record the details of changes needed. Set realistic targets, determine how the changes can be achieved and decide when and who will implement the them.Bond Centred Euthanasia
Implementing a bond centred euthanasia process presents veterinary practices with challenges that need addressing. You may have identified obstacles within your own practice. Taking each area and breaking down the changes into small steps will ensure the changes are tailored to your practice.
A bond centred euthanasia process takes time. It takes resources. It also requires flexibility and understanding from everyone in the veterinary team. For example, you can go through the scenario given below to see the feedback we receive.
Alfie – Scenario
Alfie, a 16-year-old-dog, was euthanised at her owner's request, as he was unable to move due to arthritis.
Hello, I’ve had my adored 16 and half year-old dog, Alfie, put to sleep. His legs suddenly gave way. My son came and carried Alfie on to the settee because he was screeching in pain. After spending some time saying goodbye to him and hugging him, we wrapped Alfie in my nightgown and took him in a taxi to the vet. I would always give him his arthritis medicine and a little extra as he was in so much pain.
When we got to the vets, only I was allowed to say goodbye to Alfie due to this evil coronavirus. I have arthritis and a damaged pelvis, and I told the vet this. My beautiful, beloved Alfie was lying on the floor on a dirty baby quilt full of hairs. I was too much in shock at the time to say anything but I told her I couldn't get down on the floor but I had to struggle. I was devastated I couldn't think straight.
When the vet put Alfie to sleep, he was in the quilt and my nightgown was next to him on the floor. After he passed away, the vet allowed me some time on my own with Alfie, but I was so upset that he was on the dirty quilt and he was on the floor. I couldn't lie with him and hold him because of my pelvis and I didn't want to lie on the dirty quilt.
All I can think of now is my beloved Alfie dying on that dirty quilt.
All I can think of now is my beloved Alfie dying on that dirty quilt.
I don't know what to do about it. To think that animals are being put to sleep on that. I have been in so much pain ever since I got down on the floor to hug him.
Select the arrows to navigate.
Pause and Think
What actions could the vet take to make Alfie’s euthanasia a better experience for the owner?
Select the “My Answer” button to write your answer.
Increased Costs and Affordability
Some clients will indeed express their concern about veterinary bills. However, you shouldn’t decide what they can afford.
Select each tile to know why.
A cost analysis that includes staffing, medicine and facilities will provide a baseline cost. When you are considering the costs of implementing a bond centred euthanasia process, you also need to consider the cost of losing clients.
A dissatisfied or upset client is unlikely to return to your practice. Word-of-mouth can have either a positive or negative impact on a business. Factoring in the internet and social media, a poor experience can be shared online to a local audience in just a few clicks.
That isn’t the only way a practice can experience a loss of reputation. Complaints can be made to either the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) or to the Veterinary Complaints Mediation Service (VCMS).
The costs of dealing with a complaint to the RCVS and the VCMS aren’t only financial – it can also be time consuming and have a negative emotional impact on the veterinary team.
Time Constraints
We know practices are busy. It’s often the first objection we hear to implementing a bond centred euthanasia.
Some practices have found that allocating appointments at quieter times of the day or just before a break allows clients time to say goodbye. We suggest that you can book back-to-back appointments. Book a nurse appointment immediately after euthanasia. This frees the vet and provides your client with support from the nursing team.
All good intentions to give your clients longer appointments can disappear when the practice gets busy; especially if the practice policies don’t cover extended appointments for euthanasia.
Change Management/Team Resistance
Any change management programme needs to start with evaluating your client’s requirements. Look at your current process and evaluate it from the client’s perspective. What service would the clients want?
Select each button to learn more.
Measure
Measure
You should consider how you are going to measure the impact of the changes. For example:- Are you getting complaints about a part of your euthanasia service?
- Are you seeing a reduction in complaints since implementing the changes?
- You will also see an increase in positive feedback.
Stay Committed
Stay Committed
To keep the momentum and ensure that your team remains committed to the changes, you must celebrate your wins.
