Impact of evidence‐based information on horse owners' misconceptions of colic

Abstract

Abstract Background Misconceptions can be defined as ‘false, persistent beliefs’ or ‘inaccurate, prior knowledge’ and can influence decision‐making. Objectives To investigate the impact of evidence‐based information on UK horse owners' decision‐making for colic. Study Design Mixed‐methods cross‐sectional study. Methods An online survey was distributed to UK horse owners, with four sections: owner demographics; views on decision‐making and referral to an equine hospital facility for colic; current knowledge and approach to colic; impact of evidence‐based information (including evidence on recognising and responding to colic, and colic surgery survival and outcome data) on decision‐making. Statistical analysis was performed using Kendall's tau for continuous variables and Chi‐squared testing for categorical variables. Multivariable analysis was performed using a generalised linear model with binomial distribution (logistic regression), with p < 0.05 for model fit. Content analysis was used for free‐text answers. Results In total, 1544 participants met inclusion criteria. Owners were more likely to agree to referral if their horse was insured ( p < 0.001, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.86–2.93), and less likely if their horse was older ( p < 0.001, CI: 0.90–0.94) or they felt pressure ( p < 0.001, CI: 0.44–0.70). Pressure to refer was mainly from veterinary professionals (66%, 367/549) or peers (20%, 110/549). Many participants were unaware of how quickly irreversible intestinal damage could occur (58%, 903/1544), costs of colic surgery and UK insurance cover limits (63%, 966/1544), post‐operative survival rates for geriatric vs. non‐geriatric horses (65%; 996/1544), or prognosis for return to work following colic surgery (68%, 1052/1544). Sharing evidence‐based information had limited impact on decision‐making. Free text response analysis identified previous experience of colic, anecdotal information, finances and peer pressures as barriers to change. Main Limitations Potential for response bias, UK participants only. Conclusions Misconceptions around colic were common, with many horse owners reluctant to change their approach after evidence‐based information. Intent to pursue referral was less likely with increasing horse age and perceived pressure to refer.