The potential role of veterinary technicians in promoting antimicrobial stewardship

Laurel E Redding; Katherine Reilly; Bridget Radtke; Stacy Bartholomew; Stephen D Cole

doi:10.1186/s12917-023-03637-w

The potential role of veterinary technicians in promoting antimicrobial stewardship

BMC Vet Res. 2023 Sep 2;19(1):142. doi: 10.1186/s12917-023-03637-w.

Authors

Laurel E Redding¹, Katherine Reilly¹, Bridget Radtke², Stacy Bartholomew³, Stephen D Cole⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Clinical Studies-New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
² Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
³ Department of Veterinary Technology, Manor College, Jenkintown, PA, USA.
⁴ Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA. scole@vet.upenn.edu.

Abstract

Background: A core principle of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in veterinary settings is the need for engagement of all stakeholders; however, no studies have addressed the role of veterinary technicians in AMS specifically. The objective of this study was to qualitatively assess knowledge, opinions, and practices related to AMS among technicians. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 33 veterinary technicians with varied backgrounds, experience and roles. Interviews centered on participants work experience and interactions with their employer, perceptions of antimicrobial resistance and overuse in veterinary medicine, observed application of AMS principles, opinions on potential opportunities for technicians to contribute to AMS and concomitant potential barriers to these opportunities. Transcripts of interviews were coded thematically by two authors, then organized into a hierarchical framework, and the characterization of codes was compared across different categories of respondents.

Results: Most veterinary technicians were knowledgeable about antimicrobial drugs but could not provide a complete definition of antimicrobial resistance or AMS. Most veterinary technicians could identify examples of antimicrobial misuse. Participants identified areas of client education and discussion with veterinarians as potential areas to contribute to AMS. Barriers identified included hierarchical structures of veterinary practices and time-constraints. Most participants expressed a personal interest in participating in AMS.

Conclusions: There is a possible appetite among some veterinary technicians to participate in AMS and they already play applicable roles in practices. Barriers such as educational needs, hierarchical structures of veterinary practices and time constraints will need to be addressed if technicians are included in AMS efforts.

Keywords: Antimicrobial Resistance; Antimicrobial stewardship; Engagement; Qualitative study; Veterinary nurses; Veterinary technicians.

MeSH terms

Animal Technicians*
Animals
Antimicrobial Stewardship*
Educational Status
Humans
Veterinarians*