Veterinary support staff knowledge and perceptions of antimicrobial drug use, resistance, and stewardship in the United States

TL;DR

This study explores how veterinary support staff in the U.S. understand and perceive antimicrobial use, resistance, and stewardship in companion animal medicine.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into the knowledge and roles of veterinary support staff in antimicrobial stewardship.

Findings

Most veterinary support staff consider antimicrobial resistance a global concern, but few are aware of antimicrobial stewardship.

Only a small percentage of clinics have antimicrobial stewardship programs, and staff involvement in stewardship interventions is limited.

Staff frequently interact with pet owners about antimicrobial drugs, highlighting their potential role in stewardship efforts.

Abstract

Antimicrobial drug use (AMU) in veterinary medicine may contribute to antimicrobial resistant (AMR) infections in both animals and people. Efforts to improve AMU in companion animal medicine are underway and should include all members of the veterinary team, including veterinary support staff. Our objective was to describe knowledge and attitudes regarding AMU, AMR, and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in companion animal medicine among veterinary support staff professionals in the United States using an anonymous, online questionnaire. Additionally, we sought to explore veterinary support staff perceptions of their role in the antimicrobial drug (AMD) prescribing process. Veterinary technicians, nurses, assistants, client care representatives, and hospital managers (n = 337) considered AMR a global concern (83.4%), and 40% reported receiving AMR education from their employer. Few (18.3%) were aware of AMS, with only 6.4% indicating that their clinic had an AMS program. Frequent involvement in the AMD prescribing process was reported (43.4%), but only 19.7% perceived involvement with AMS interventions. Approximately one-third of participants (34.9%) said that advice regarding the need for AMDs was routinely provided by staff to pet owners prior to veterinary consultation. Participants estimated that 82.6% of all AMD prescriptions were filled at the clinic as opposed to an outside pharmacy. Given their direct involvement in the AMD prescribing process and frequent interactions with pet owners, AMS should be emphasized to all veterinary staff. Involving support staff in AMS interventions is necessary to improve AMU in companion animal medicine.