It is important that the healthcare team speak with a unified voice and sense of purpose under any circumstances, but particularly so where EOL care is concerned. Each member of the healthcare team should have defined caregiving and client-support responsibilities, preferably ones that utilize individual skills, strengths, and experience. All team members should be trained to identify signs of compassion fatigue in themselves, staff, and family caregivers.

Veterinarian

• Develops medical and educational protocols for staff
• Designs specialized training for medical caregivers (technicians and family members)
• Advises and enrolls patients in EOL program
• Develops specific care plan for patient
• Designs communication plan among all caregivers
• Oversees implementation of care administered to patient
• Provides options and support for determining the final stage (euthanasia vs. hospice-supported natural death) and afterlife resources

Practice Manager

• Implements the educational and training programs for healthcare providers
• Creates a network of hospice professionals to support the staff and caregivers, including social workers, grief/bereavement counselors, psychologists, spiritual counselors, and community volunteers
• Markets EOL care to clients and the community
• Works with the veterinarian to alert staff to an EOL case being initiated
• Monitors for signs of compassion fatigue of self, staff, and family caregivers

Technician

• Provides supportive care for EOL patients and their families
• Participates in or leads home visits, provides quality of life and environmental assessments, manages clinical signs in home setting under the supervision of the veterinarian
• Bathes, grooms, provides stimulation and massage of the patient
• May provide time off for the primary caregiver
• Maintains supplies/inventory within the home and veterinary hospital for EOL care

Reception and other client-service personnel

• Schedules and coordinates care among patient/family and veterinary team members
• Alerts staff when an in-hospital euthanasia has been scheduled
• Creates a compassionate environment for the client and pet upon arrival to the hospital
• Ensures all follow-up communication (sympathy card, memorial donation, phone call, changing pet’s status to deceased in the medical record, etc.) after the EOL event has been completed