Antimicrobial stewardship education increases US veterinarians' intention to avoid prescribing antimicrobial drugs for canine acute diarrhea, January 2025.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether an educational video or written evidence-based handout can reduce veterinarians' intentions to prescribe antibiotics for canine acute diarrhea. METHODS: In January 2025, US veterinarians who treat dogs were recruited for an online cross-sectional pre- and postintervention survey via social media, email lists, and state veterinary medical associations. Questions probed knowledge, personal attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control regarding the use of antibiotics in the treatment of canine acute diarrhea. Participants were randomized to control, handout, or video groups to evaluate the impact of educational resources on their intention to prescribe antibiotics. RESULTS: A total of 1,626 veterinarians completed the survey and were randomly assigned to the control (n = 567), handout (546), and video (513) groups. Baseline attitudes, social norms, and perceived behavioral control did not differ amongst intervention groups. After they received the interventions, questions of attitude were repeated. More veterinarians were comfortable with waiting to give antibiotics (video, 86% to 90%; handout, 85% to 91%), were comfortable not prescribing metronidazole (video, 79% to 84%; handout, 80% to 86%), and agreed that prebiotics (video, 38% to 55%; handout, 40% to 50%) and probiotics (video, 48% to 58%; handout, 44% to 53%) could be used instead of antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence-based educational resources related to antimicrobial use increased veterinarians' intention to avoid antibiotic use and promote nonantimicrobial alternatives. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Targeted evidence-based and actionable educational resources can increase veterinarians' intentions to follow antibiotic stewardship guidelines.