Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global issue, and veterinary practices have a critical role in addressing it.
Responsible antibiotic prescribing, clear communication, and consistent staff training are essential to mitigate AMR’s impact and uphold the health of animals, clients, and communities. Below, we outline strategies for embedding AMR awareness and prevention into your practice.
The Role of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
A cornerstone of AMR prevention is having robust Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for antibiotic prescribing. These SOPs ensure that decisions about antibiotics are consistent, evidence-based, and align with best practices.
Document Management-Why SOPs Matter:
Consistency: Ensures all team members follow the same guidelines.
Accountability: Provides a reference point for appropriate prescribing behavior.
Quality Assurance: Helps practices stay aligned with external standards such as the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme (PSS).
Regular Review of SOPs: SOPs should not be static documents. Instead, they require regular reviews to stay up to date with evolving guidance and clinical evidence. Scheduling these reviews as part of Quality Improvement (QI) steering meetings is an excellent way to ensure compliance and promote collaboration across the team.
Training-Progress’s document management system supports this process by providing reminders for SOP reviews. It also ensures linked protocols, such as those for otitis externa or gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, remain aligned with the overarching antibiotic prescribing SOP, avoiding discrepancies.
Sustainability and AMR Prevention as Core Values
To combat AMR effectively, your practice should adopt sustainability and AMR prevention as core values. When these principles are embedded into the practice ethos:
- They guide decision-making at all levels.
- They remind the team to incorporate AMR awareness into daily routines.
- They help educate clients on the importance of these initiatives.
- Displaying these values prominently in your practice, both visually and in your communications, reinforces their importance to both staff and clients.
Staff Training and Communication
A well-trained and informed team is vital to addressing AMR. All staff, from veterinarians to receptionists, should understand why AMR is important and be confident discussing it with clients.
Key Training Considerations:
- Use Training-Progress’s training programmes to ensure all team members understand the importance of AMR prevention.
- Include scenarios where receptionists may need to handle upset clients questioning changes to antibiotic prescribing practices.
- Regularly update the team on changes to SOPs or protocols. Training-Progress ensures team members acknowledge updates, fostering accountability.
- Client Communication and Awareness. AMR prevention extends beyond the team—it requires client cooperation and understanding. Educate clients on why antibiotics are prescribed differently than in the past and emphasize their role in reducing resistance.
Supporting Team Communication:
Use Training-Progress’s community news feature to share AMR resources with the team. For example, links to online courses or webinars can enhance their knowledge.
The urgent news feature can highlight initiatives like an antibiotic amnesty, ensuring the team is prepared to answer client questions.
AMR Awareness Year-Round
While AMR Awareness Week serves as a valuable reminder, combating antimicrobial resistance should be an ongoing effort. By keeping AMR prevention at the forefront of your practice, you contribute to a larger global effort to ensure antibiotics remain effective for generations to come.
Additional Resources
Here are some excellent resources for your team to deepen their understanding of AMR:
World Health Organization (WHO): AMR Awareness Week
British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA): PROTECTME Resources
RCVS Knowledge: AMR Hub
Sharing these resources via your practice’s newsfeed can ensure the entire team has access to valuable training tools.
By leveraging Training-Progress’s features and embedding AMR awareness into your practice culture, you’ll be well-positioned to make a meaningful impact. Remember: every effort counts in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
