Why do veterinarians ask for antimicrobial susceptibility testing? A qualitative study exploring determinants and evaluating the impact of antibiotic reduction policy

Publication date: Available online 11 September 2018Source: Preventive Veterinary MedicineAuthor(s): Clémence Boireau, Nicolas Fortané, Didier Calavas, Agnès Leblond, Émilie GayAbstractFor public health reasons, increasing attention has focused on more rational use of antimicrobials in farm animals. Guidance concerning the prescription of antibiotics and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (antibiograms in this case) are beneficial tools to help control the development of antimicrobial resistance. Nevertheless, even though there are already several qualitative studies analysing the determinants of antimicrobial prescription and use in veterinary medicine, little is known about decision-making concerning the use of antibiograms. The aim of this study was to provide a better understanding of veterinarians’ motivations and role-players’ influence concerning the choice of whether to ask for an antibiogram in the bovine, porcine, poultry and equine sectors in France. We concurrently evaluated the impact of a new French decree (2016) requiring an antibiogram before certain critically important antimicrobial agents can be used in veterinary medicine. Semi-structured interviews with veterinarians were conducted in France. Thematic analysis was used to analyse transcripts. In all, we surveyed 66 veterinarians. Use of antibiograms in veterinary medicine was multifactorial - 46 factors grouped into 11 categories were identified - and differed between animal sectors: use was alm...
Source: Preventive Veterinary Medicine - Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research