Embedded Acceptance and Commitment Training helps veterinary and medical students cope with tough client interactions
Official title: Effects of embedded Acceptance and Commitment Training in DVM and RVT programs as students transition into the workforce
Funded at Kent State University · NIH-11388776 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A university program will test a flexible, online training called Unburdened to help veterinary technician and medical students stay calm and focused during challenging client moments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kent State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kent, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $525,152 |
| NIH project number | 5R01OH012580-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11388776 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants are advanced RVT and DVM students at one of the five collaborating programs who will complete the online Unburdened training as part of their final semester.
✕Less likely to help
Students who do not engage with the training or who are outside the participating programs may not experience benefits.
What this research studies
This project will adapt an online ACT-based training to fit RVT and DVM student coursework and test its impact on stress and burnout over a year. About 200 advanced students from five programs will be enrolled and split into groups to compare learning with and without the training. Assessments will occur at baseline, after 1 month, and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months to track engagement, perceived value, and performance. The study builds on prior trials showing reduced distress with ACT approaches in veterinary settings. Results could guide integration of mental wellness tools into professional training curricula.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the training could reduce burnout and improve well-being for future veterinary and medical professionals.
How similar studies have gone: Prior randomized trials suggest ACT can reduce stress and burnout in veterinary workers and have lasting effects.
Where this research is happening
-
Kent State University
Kent, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spitznagel, Mary Beth — Kent State University
- Study coordinator: Spitznagel, Mary Beth
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Support program to help veterinary and vet‑tech students handle stressful client interactions as they enter the workforce
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.