The RCVS Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has awarded its £15,000 'Impact Grant' to a research project exploring mental health and trauma support after severe occupational veterinary injury.

The project is being carried out by researchers Dr John Tulloch and Dr Tamzin Furtado from the Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences within the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at the University of Liverpool.

Dr Tulloch comments: “Veterinary professionals dedicate their lives to animal welfare, yet they have some of the highest levels of occupational injury of any profession. While physical wounds are documented, the long-term psychological, social and professional repercussions for those requiring hospitalisation remain largely invisible.

“Through our qualitative study, we’ll be using in-depth interviews to capture the lived experiences of vets and nurses navigating life after a major injury, exploring the dual burden of physical recovery and mental health problems.”

The findings will be used to develop “better occupational health protocols and peer-support frameworks to help foster a more supported veterinary workforce”.

Applications for the next round of Mind Matters research grants open early next year.

researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk