Qualitative interview study exploring Maltese veterinarians’ practice of behavioural medicine

TL;DR

This study explores how Maltese veterinarians approach animal behavioral medicine and identifies barriers to better practice.

Contribution

The study provides qualitative insights into VBM practices and barriers among Maltese veterinarians, offering recommendations for improvement.

Findings

Veterinarians in Malta show positive attitudes toward canine mental health but have limited VBM practice.

Barriers include knowledge gaps, time constraints, and lack of regulation for behavioral service providers.

Improving veterinary knowledge and regulating behavioral service providers could enhance One Welfare outcomes.

Abstract

Veterinary behavioural medicine (VBM) is an emerging discipline, and behavioural support offered by veterinarians has been shown to positively impact One Welfare. However, the practice of VBM by veterinarians is reportedly limited. Research in this field is scant and predominantly quantitative in nature. This qualitative study aimed to explore the attitudes of small animal veterinarians in Malta towards VBM and canine mental health, their practice of VBM and any related barriers.

Qualitative semi‐structured interviews were conducted, and a template analysis approach was applied to the collected data.

Eleven Malta‐based veterinarians were interviewed. Their responses suggest a positive regard towards canine mental health, with opportunities for improvement in VBM practice. Potential barriers to the practice of VBM included knowledge gaps, time constraints, difficulties in communicating with clients, limited availability of trusted behavioural service providers (BSPs), challenges in establishing effective working relationships with BSPs and lack of BSP regulation.

The generalisability of the findings is limited due to the nature of the study, and recruitment bias was possible.

This study highlights avenues for changes in veterinary practices that could positively impact One Welfare. Improving veterinary knowledge of VBM and regulating BSPs are suggested as key factors in achieving this goal.

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