Use of a multiple choice questionnaire to assess UK prescribing channels’ knowledge of helminthology and best practice surrounding anthelmintic use in livestock and horses.
Abstract: Grazing livestock and equines are at risk of infection from a variety of helminths, for which the primary method of control has long been the use of anthelmintics. Anthelmintic resistance is now widespread in a number of helminth species across the globe so it is imperative that best practice control principles be adopted to delay the further spread of resistance. It is the responsibility of all who prescribe anthelmintics (in the UK, this being veterinarians, suitably qualified persons (SQPs) and pharmacists) to provide adequate information on best practice approaches to parasite control at the point of purchase. Poor uptake of best practice guidelines at farm level has been documented; this could be due to a lack of, or inappropriate, advice at the point of anthelmintics purchase. Therefore, the aim here was to evaluate levels of basic knowledge of helminthology, best practice guidelines and dispensing legislation among veterinarians and SQPs in the UK, through a Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) test, that was distributed online via targeted emails and social media sites. For each respondent, the percentage correct was determined (for the MCQ test overall and for subsections) and the results analysed initially using parametric and non-parametric statistics to compare differences between prescribing channels. The results showed that channels generally performed well; veterinarians achieved a mean total percentage correct of 79.7% (range 34.0-100%) and SQPs, a mean total percentage correct of 75.8% (range 38.5-100%) (p=0.051). The analysis indicated that veterinarians performed better in terms of knowledge of basic helminthology (p=0.001), whilst the SQP group performed better on legislation type questions (p=0.032). There was no significant difference in knowledge levels of best practice between the two channels. Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that veterinarians and those answering equine questions only performed significantly better than those answering all questions. Based on information gaps identified by analysis of individual questions, a number of areas for improvement in knowledge transfer to both channels are suggested to improve the quality of advice at the point of anthelmintics purchase.
Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2016-04-23 PubMed ID: 27237392DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2016.04.010Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research evaluates the understanding of UK professionals who prescribe anthelmintics (parasitic worm treatments), to livestock and horses, about helminthology (study of parasitic worms) and best practices for usage. The study applied a Multiple Choice Questionnaire, revealing that both veterinarians and suitably qualified persons (SQPs) generally performed well, with a few knowledge gaps identified in the area of helminthology and dispensing legislation.
Objective of the Study
- The research aimed to measure the basic understanding of helminthology, best practice guidelines, and dispensing legislation among UK veterinarians and SQPs.
- This understanding is critical as improper use of anthelmintics can cultivate drug-resistant parasites.
- The focus is to improve advice conveyed at the point of anthelmintics purchase, insinuating that better knowledgeable prescribers may help mitigate anthelmintic resistance.
Methodology
- A Multiple Choice Questionnaire (MCQ) was distributed online to the veterinarians and SQPs.
- Responses were examined for overall knowledge, with comparisons made between the two different prescribing groups.
Results
- The results showed that both veterinarians and SQPs performed satisfactorily in the questionnaire.
- However, veterinarians showed more understanding of basic helminthology, while SQPs showed better knowledge of dispensing legislation.
- The research found no significant differences in the understanding of best practices between the two groups.
Areas for Improvement Identified
- From the gaps brought to light in the responses, several areas were identified where knowledge improved to enhance the quality of advice given during the purchase of anthelmintics.
- Improving in these areas would preferably lead to more effective usage of anthelmintics, thus preventing or slowing down the development of anthelmintic resistance.
Cite This Article
APA
Easton S, Bartley DJ, Hotchkiss E, Hodgkinson JE, Pinchbeck GL, Matthews JB.
(2016).
Use of a multiple choice questionnaire to assess UK prescribing channels’ knowledge of helminthology and best practice surrounding anthelmintic use in livestock and horses.
Prev Vet Med, 128, 70-77.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2016.04.010 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK.
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK.
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK.
- Veterinary Parasitology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZJ, UK.
- Veterinary Epidemiology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZJ, UK.
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK. Electronic address: jacqui.matthews@moredun.ac.uk.
MeSH Terms
- Animal Husbandry / methods
- Animals
- Anthelmintics / therapeutic use
- Clinical Competence
- Drug Prescriptions / veterinary
- Helminthiasis, Animal / drug therapy
- Helminthiasis, Animal / psychology
- Horses
- Livestock
- Pharmacists / psychology
- Practice Guidelines as Topic
- Surveys and Questionnaires
- United Kingdom
- Veterinarians / psychology
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