# Clinical Reasoning About Timely Euthanasia of Compromised Pigs

## TL;DR

This paper explores how veterinarians decide when to euthanize pigs by analyzing the clinical reasoning process and identifying key symptoms and steps in decision-making.

## Contribution

The study introduces a seven-step model of euthanasia reasoning and a symptom network to improve clinical decision-making training for veterinarians.

## Key findings

- A seven-step model of euthanasia reasoning was developed based on mixed-method analysis of decision reports.
- A symptom network was visualized using Gephi to highlight key considerations in euthanasia decisions.
- Euthanasia is conceptualized as a 'script' rather than a single action, suggesting implications for cognitive psychology.

## Abstract

When a disease or injury is incurable, caretakers or veterinarians have to decide when the right time for euthanasia has come. This decision can be challenging, and previous studies have primarily focused on influencing factors and the impact of training on the decision making. In contrast, this article shifts the focus from what knowledge is required to how knowledge is connected, thereby examining the decision-making process itself. The article generated a seven-step model of reasoning about euthanasia-worthy states of compromised pigs. Moreover, a network of symptoms was visualized, illustrating the key considerations involved in reasoning about euthanasia. This article serves as a foundation for trainers and veterinarians to enhance understanding about euthanasia from a clinical reasoning perspective. The main theoretical underpinnings are briefly discussed, while the findings are presented in a concise, visually oriented format to facilitate practical application.

In traditional livestock care, veterinarians often face situations where they have to determine the optimal time for euthanasia to prevent unnecessary suffering and pain. To improve timely euthanasia, this article focuses on the process of decision-making from a clinical reasoning perspective. The analysis aimed to identify typical steps of reasoning and explore the interdependencies between reported symptoms. For this means, decision-making reports from an online survey and in-depth interviews were assessed by an exploratory, sequential mixed-method content analysis. A key component of the approach involved generating a network analysis in Gephi to visualize the central symptoms associated with reasoning about euthanasia. The results also present a seven-step model of reasoning that can be used to innovate training concepts. Beyond practical applications, the findings have implications for theoretical considerations. Notably, the results suggest that euthanasia is more accurately conceptualized as a “script” rather than a simple “action”, highlighting the need for further exploration from the perspective of cognitive psychology.