Project background
Veterinary professionals are more likely to die by suicide than average. When veterinary professionals die by suicide, they often use methods connected to their work.
One of the ways we can reduce suicide is by controlling access to things people might use to harm themselves, however vets need access to these as part of their work.
This study is holding interviews with people affected by veterinary suicide or suicide attempts, including people bereaved by suicide and those who have attempted suicide or thought about suicide.
This is to understand better how we can prevent veterinary suicide. The project has 4 aims:
- To explore experiences of people affected by veterinary suicide or suicide attempts
- To provide insight into factors influencing methods of suicide attempt among veterinary professionals
- To understand people's attitudes to and experience of restriction of access to means of suicide in veterinary workplaces
- To help identify opportunities for veterinary suicide prevention
Project team
University of Edinburgh
Dr Amy Chandler
University of Edinburgh
University of Edinburgh
Dr Katie Moore
University of Edinburgh
Dr Alexandra Pitman
University College London
Dr Alex Thomson
Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
Project approval
This project has ethical approval from the University of Edinburgh Business School and sponsorship from the Research Governance Team.
How to take part in the study
This study is now open for recruitment. If you are interested in taking part please read the participant information sheet and study consent form for more information, then email Rosie Allister.
This research study focuses on suicide prevention in veterinary workplaces. If you're a veterinary professional and are feeling suicidal and need support please call Vetlife: 0303 040 2551 (Samaritans 116 123 for people who are not veterinary staff) or 999 in an emergency.