Abstract
A holistic approach to antimicrobial use (AMU) and prescribing is needed to combat the problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Previously, an antimicrobial stewardship programme (ASP) was developed, introduced, and evaluated in 44 Dutch companion animal clinics, which resulted in an optimization of AMU. As a follow-up to this, an online course was developed to promote awareness of AMU, AMR, and responsible antimicrobial prescribing. The aim of this paper is to describe the development and pilot, including evaluation, of this course, which will be disseminated more widely among Dutch companion animal veterinarians. The interactive programme consists of a major e-learning component and two online, face-to-face meetings. The course comprises five different parts corresponding with five consecutive weeks. Theory on several topics is offered, for example on AMU and AMR in general, Dutch regulations and guidelines on veterinary AMU, behavioural change, and possible methods to quantify AMU. Additionally, several assignments are offered, for example to reflect upon one’s own current antimicrobial prescribing behaviour. Interactive discussion and peer-to-peer learning are promoted. Since September 2020, the course has been offered in a pilot phase, and the feedback is promising. Evaluation of the pilot phase will result in recommendations for further optimization and dissemination.
Highlights
Effective antimicrobials are essential for current and future human medicine
Of particular concern is the veterinary use of critically important antimicrobials for human medicine, especially those considered highest priority critically important antimicrobials (HPCIAs) [19,20,21]
In 2015–2018, a fairly extensive antimicrobial stewardship programme (ASP) was developed, introduced, and evaluated in 44 Dutch companion animal clinics (the Antimicrobial Stewardship and Pets (ASAP) project), which resulted in an optimization of antimicrobial use (AMU) in these veterinary clinics [30]
Summary
Effective antimicrobials are essential for current and future human medicine. Animal health and welfare rely on effective antimicrobials, too. Singleton et al [21] performed a trial to assess the effect of education, in-depth benchmarking, and follow-up meetings on the prescribing of HPCIAs. Recently, Singleton et al [21] performed a trial to assess the effect of education, in-depth benchmarking, and follow-up meetings on the prescribing of HPCIAs This trial revealed effective strategies for reducing the prescribing of these HPCIAs. In 2015–2018, a fairly extensive ASP was developed, introduced, and evaluated in 44 Dutch companion animal clinics (the Antimicrobial Stewardship and Pets (ASAP) project), which resulted in an optimization of AMU in these veterinary clinics [30]. Effective antimicrobials are essential for both human and animal health and welfare Reflection on current AM prescribing behaviour. Antimicrobial use Antimicrobial Stewardship Current Dutch regulations and guidelines on veterinary AMU Use of bacterial cultures and susceptibility testing Therapy evaluation
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