Current Topics in Serious Illness and Palliative Medicine: A Curricular Initiative in a US Veterinary Teaching Institution.

Abstract

Although interest in hospice and palliative care for companion animals is on the rise, formal training in these areas is limited. Veterinary teaching institutions, professional organizations, and accrediting bodies have much to gain from the human palliative medicine field. Core competencies, curricular milestones, and scope of practice for palliative medicine are identified. A formal palliative care intervention has been implemented in a US veterinary teaching institution, and preliminary evaluation data reflect significant potential for integration of palliative care training into veterinary teaching. Positive outcomes for veterinarian well-being and ability to cope with emotional demands are suggested.