Pawsitive Practice: Registered Veterinary Nurses’ Role in Curbing Antibiotic Use in Practice

Jo Willock

RVN, BSc (Hons)

As registered nurses in the field of veterinary care, our commitment to promoting the health and well-being of animals is unwavering. A significant challenge we are currently grappling with is the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, which is globally a topic of great concern. While antibiotics are invaluable tools in treating bacterial infections, their misuse and overuse can lead to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Such pathogens can ultimately render previously curable infections either more challenging to treat or even fatal. In this blog post, I’ll delve into the vital role that registered nurses play in reducing antibiotic use within the veterinary practice, focusing on strategies that fall within our remit.

Navigating Antibiotic Stewardship

1. Client Education: Education is a powerful tool to promote responsible antibiotic use. As registered nurses, we are often the first line of communication, interacting closely with pet owners. We can seize these opportunities to educate them about the significance of adhering to antibiotic treatment plans and the potential consequences of misuse. Ensuring that owners understand the importance of completing the full course of antibiotics can go a long way in curbing unnecessary usage and improving clinical outcomes. It’s crucial to educate owners about the appropriate disposal of unused antibiotics, if at all required.
2. Medication Administration: Administering medications is an essential part of our role, particularly in hospital environments where patients require long-term treatment. When it comes to antibiotics, it’s crucial to adhere to prescribed dosages and schedules. By meticulously following medication protocols, we can prevent the underdosing or overdosing of antibiotics, promoting effective treatment and minimizing the development of resistance. However, do remember to not hesitate to check doses and question treatment plans, as this not only promotes learning but may prevent unavoidable human error.
3. Monitoring and Reporting: Registered nurses are often responsible for monitoring patients’ progress throughout their treatment journey. This can be demonstrated through the role of nurses in regular inpatient checks, post-operative checks or various other forms of communication with clients. In terms of antibiotics, this involves closely observing the animals’ response to antibiotics and promptly reporting any unexpected or adverse reactions. Our vigilance ensures that treatments are adjusted as needed, whether this be an extension of the antibiotic course or the discontinuation of ineffective therapies as indicated by the veterinary surgeon. By implementing efficient monitoring and reporting practices, it is possible to prevent unnecessary use of antibiotics and promote better patient outcomes. An example of this is implementing tools such as catheter site assessment checklists alongside regular inpatient checks. This makes it possible to intervene with other measures, prior to antibiotics becoming a required treatment.

Link: Catheter care checklist – RCVS Knowledge

• Infection Control Measures: Nurses are at the forefront of infection control efforts in veterinary settings. By implementing rigorous hygiene practices, isolating contagious animals, employing aseptic techniques and advocating for preventative measures, we can contribute to reducing the spread of infections and subsequently decrease the demand for antibiotics. This is of particular importance when dealing with invasive medical devices for example such as intravenous catheters or indwelling urinary catheters. Without effective infection control measures, such devices offer an easy point of entry for microorganisms. All the measures should be clearly outlined in the practices’ standard operating procedures (SOPs), which must be imparted to all the staff members through training. This sharing of information is imperative, contributing to the one health approach to antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

5. Documentation and Communication: Accurate record-keeping is paramount. Proper documentation of the type, dosage, and duration of antibiotic treatments allows for informed decision-making among the veterinary team. Our communication skills come into play when discussing treatment options with veterinary surgeons and pet owners, ensuring a collaborative approach to care. For instance, by providing the veterinary surgeon with specific owner concerns regarding medication administration and timely delivery of lab reports, an appropriate treatment plan can be formulated promptly.

Exploring Holistic Approaches

1. Wound Care and Bandaging: Registered nurses excel in their wound care techniques and management. By applying advanced wound management strategies alongside strict aseptic techniques, we can aid in the healing process, potentially reducing the need for antibiotics in cases of minor infections.
2. Nutritional Support: Nutrition plays a pivotal role in maintaining animals’ overall health and immunity. As nurses, we can advocate for optimal diets and nutritional supplements that reinforce pets’ natural defence mechanisms, potentially minimizing susceptibility to infections.
3. Pain Management: In cases of post-surgical or post-trauma situations, effective pain management is essential. By utilizing techniques such as physical therapy, acupuncture, and therapeutic laser treatments, we can enhance animals’ comfort levels and potentially reduce the need for antibiotics in pain-related cases.

Becoming an Antibiotic Guardian – Will You Pledge?

We, as registered veterinary nurses, hold a unique and invaluable position at the forefront of animal care. Did you know that in recognition of our role in combatting the growing threat of AMR, you are invited to pledge to become an Antibiotic Guardian? As an Antibiotic Guardian, you will be participating in Public Health England’s ‘Keep Antibiotics Working’ campaign, continuing your efforts to safeguard the health of humans and animals. By becoming an Antibiotic Guardian, we commit to responsible antibiotic use, education, and advocacy. Our daily interactions with pet owners and patients offer opportunities to impart the importance of completing antibiotic courses, adhering to treatment plans, and embracing alternative approaches. Through vigilant monitoring, accurate documentation, and collaboration with veterinarians, we can ensure that antibiotics are used judiciously and effectively. We must continue to work collaboratively to ensure that antibiotics remain effective tools in the fight against bacterial infections for generations to come.

 Become an antibiotic guardian: Antibiotic Guardian – Pledge to be an Antibiotic Guardian

Let us rise to the challenge and be stewards of change, leading the way in promoting holistic care, reducing unnecessary antibiotic use, and securing a healthier future for both animals and humans.