Feasibility and efficacy of an online compassion‐focused imagery intervention for veterinarian self‐reassurance, self‐criticism and perfectionism

Background Veterinarians report high levels of psychological distress and self‐criticism. However, there is minimal research investigating psychological interventions for veterinarians. Evidence suggests that compassion‐focused therapy is effective at reducing distress in those with high self‐criticism. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a 2‐week online compassionate imagery intervention for veterinarians. Methods A one‐group repeated measures design was used with 128 veterinarians. Participants completed measures of perfectionism, self‐criticism, self‐reassurance and fears of compassion four times, at 2‐week intervals (at baseline, pre‐intervention, post‐intervention and 2‐week follow‐up). Participants answered written questions about their intervention experience post‐intervention. Results Content analysis of the qualitative data found the intervention to be acceptable and beneficial to participants. Overall, study attrition was 50.8%, which is reasonable for a low‐cost intervention. Minimal differences were found between participants who dropped out compared to those who completed the intervention. Perfectionism, work‐related rumination and self‐criticism were significantly reduced post‐intervention, and these effects were maintained at follow‐up. Resilience and self‐reassurance remained unchanged. Fears of compassion reduced over the baseline period and pre–post intervention, questioning the validity of the measure. Conclusion Overall, in the context COVID‐19, the intervention showed impressive feasibility and preliminary effectiveness. Randomised control trials are recommended as the next step for research to establish the intervention's effectiveness.