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

The research article discusses the factors influencing a veterinarian’s decision to employ antimicrobial susceptibility testing (antibiogram) within the bovine, porcine, poultry and equine sectors in France and the impact of a 2016 French policy aimed to minimize the usage of critically important antibiotics.

Research Context and Goal

The study explores the utilization of antibiotics in veterinary medicine, specifically in the context of antimicrobial resistance. It focuses on the decision-making process involving the use of antibiograms, an analysis that determines the sensitivity of bacteria towards specific antibiotics. The end goal is to identify factors and motives that inspire veterinarians to request for an antibiogram and assess the influence of regulatory groups on this decision. The research also evaluates the outcomes of a French decree from 2016 mandating antibiograms before the application of critically important antimicrobial agents in veterinary medicine.

Research Methodology

• The researchers conducted a series of semi-structured interviews with 66 veterinarians based in France.
• They applied thematic analysis on the interview transcripts to identify recurring themes and patterns on the approach towards the use of antibiograms.

Key Findings

• A total of 46 factors influencing the utilization of antibiograms were identified and grouped into 11 categories.
• The study found that the use of antibiograms was not uniform across all animal sectors.
• It was almost an automatic process in poultry, common in pigs, but rare in bovines and equines.
• Interestingly, the French 2016 decree was not found to enhance the use of antibiograms.
• However, it did create a change in prescription practices due to complications in the field and the time required to obtain antibiogram results.
• Veterinarians appreciated the decree as it promoted responsible and rational antibiotic usage and encouraged the exploration of alternative options.

Implications and Recommendations

• This research provides valuable insights into the attitudes of veterinarians towards antibiogram usage and the issue of antimicrobial resistance.
• The study recommends effective communication about the benefits of antibiograms and external financial support to facilitate its usage.
• The results of the French decree analysis indicate that careful planning, precise communication, and proof of the measure’s legitimacy are crucial for the successful implementation of regulation changes.
• These findings can assist veterinary bodies and regulatory authorities in decision-making and policy formulation to battle against antimicrobial resistance.