Examining the impact of an in-hospital intervention on veterinary team coordination, employee mental health and commitment, and veterinary hospital business metrics

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were mounting concerns related to the mental health and wellbeing of veterinary professionals, resulting in an increased rate of employee turnover across the profession. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these concerns, calling for veterinary organizations, such as VCA Canada, to emphasize business practices that promote positive client, patient, and employee outcomes. Enhancing the coordination of tasks across different roles within a veterinary hospital, known as relational coordination, can contribute to increased positive outcomes for employees, including satisfaction, motivation, and identification with organizational values. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of an organization-level intervention, rolled out across all VCA Canada hospitals, on relational coordination, commitment to VCA Canada as an organization, employee psychosocial functioning, transfer of caregiver burden, and VCA Canada business metrics. In addition, a qualitatively examination of organizational practices within VCA Canada hospitals that demonstrated the greatest increase in VCA Canada business metrics during the first 6 months of the organization-level intervention will be conducted.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jason Coe

Student:

Partner:

VCA Canada

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

University of Guelph

Program: