Public Health Institute, University of Porto, Portugal.
Public Health Institute, University of Porto, Portugal; Department of Population Studies, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Portugal.
Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis. 2021 Jun;76:101640. doi: 10.1016/j.cimid.2021.101640. Epub 2021 Mar 1.
Antimicrobial resistance transmitted from companion animals is a threat to public health increased by the pet's relationship with humans. This study aims to understand the attitude and drivers of antimicrobial (AM) prescription among companion animal veterinarians in Portugal and identify actions to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This cross-sectional study is based on a questionnaire with 417 respondents representing the Portuguese veterinary population. The results allowed grouping the respondents according to the attitude of prescription. Two types of veterinarians were identified: those who prefer to prescribe treatments based on the animals' signs and their own experience - empirical-oriented type - and those who refer to a guidance protocol to assist the prescription decision - protocol-oriented type. Respondents working in hospitals displayed a positive association with the use of guidance protocols. Efficacy was the main driver of prescription for both groups, suggesting that no matter the attitude in prescribing, the veterinarian's aim is achieving positive clinical results. Most respondents prefer empirical-oriented prescriptions, declare the absence of protocols for the prudent use of AM at the workplace and do not refer to AMR issues nor the need for hygiene reinforcement measures with owners. Owners are less likely to request AMs from veterinarians aged over 43 years old. It was discovered that communication between owners and veterinarians about risks associated with AMR was poor and must be improved and the adoption of a national guideline for the adequate use of AM directed for companion animals would be beneficial.
从伴侣动物传播的抗菌药物耐药性是人类与宠物关系增加的公共卫生威胁。本研究旨在了解葡萄牙伴侣动物兽医的抗菌药物（AM）处方态度和驱动因素，并确定对抗抗菌药物耐药性（AMR）的措施。这项横断面研究基于一份包含 417 名受访者的问卷，这些受访者代表了葡萄牙兽医人群。研究结果允许根据处方态度对受访者进行分组。确定了两种类型的兽医：一种是根据动物的症状和自己的经验更喜欢开治疗处方的 - 经验导向型；另一种是参考指导方案来辅助处方决策的 - 方案导向型。在医院工作的受访者与使用指导方案呈正相关。对于这两种类型的兽医来说，疗效都是处方的主要驱动因素，这表明，无论处方态度如何，兽医的目标都是取得积极的临床效果。大多数受访者更喜欢经验导向型的处方，他们声称在工作场所没有关于谨慎使用 AM 的方案，也没有提到 AMR 问题或与主人一起加强卫生措施的必要性。年龄在 43 岁以上的主人不太可能向兽医要求使用 AM。研究发现，主人和兽医之间关于 AMR 相关风险的沟通很差，需要加以改进，并且采取针对伴侣动物的适当使用 AM 的国家指南将是有益的。
