US and UK veterinary medicine schools: emphasis on end-of-life issues

The purpose of this research is to determine the status of dying, death and bereavement within the curricula of veterinary medicine schools in the United States and the United Kingdom. Data were obtained via a mailed questionnaire (80% US and 86% UK return rates). Results revealed that over 96% of schools have offerings related to end-of-life (eol) issues, with nearly 100% of students exposed to these offerings. The average number of hours spent on eol issues is 7 (US) and 21 (UK). Topics covered most often are 'euthanasia', 'analgesics for chronic pain', and 'communication with owners of dying animals'. Veterinary schools overwhelmingly note that dying, death and bereavement are important topics. It might be helpful to veterinary medicine students if their own feelings regarding dying and death were addressed early in the curriculum and throughout class activities and clinical work.