The World Health Organisation has declared antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to be one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity. Misuse and overuse of antimicrobials are the main drivers in the development of drug-resistant pathogens. This is equally important in the animal health industry, as resistant bacteria may also transfer from animals to humans in the environment.
VetRx is working with the University of Melbourne’s Asia Pacific Centre for Animal Health (APCAH) to implement the antimicrobial stewardship components of the system. We hope that this will will become a significant enabler for antimicrobial stewardship in veterinary practice.
Prescribing Guidelines
In an Australian first, veterinarians will now have the ability to view the relevant prescribing guidelines at the time of prescribing for the species and condition they are treating. The guidelines will remain up to date to reflect the current evidence base.
Antimicrobial Restriction
In VetRx, the ASTAG antibacterial importance ratings are visible for all antibiotics available on the Australian market. When a vet chooses to prescribe off-label, they will be made aware of the potential impact if they choose to prescribe a “high-risk” antibiotic. The goal of this intervention prior to prescribing is to encourage veterinarians to reconsider the need to prescribe such potent broad-spectrum antibiotics, and switch to a “low-risk” antibiotic instead.
Delayed Prescriptions
VetRx is designed to make veterinary prescriptions quick and easy to write. If a vet wanted to issue a delayed prescription, they can generate this in VetRx and stipulate that it cannot be dispensed prior to a specified date. If the antibiotic was ultimately required, the prescription could then either be dispensed from the veterinary practice or a pharmacy if it was more appropriate for the customer.
Client Education
Pressure from clients to prescribe antibiotics is a problem in all sectors of veterinary practice. Vets can utilise the eMR component of VetRx to provide consultation notes or further information to the client about their decision to not prescribe antimicrobials. Having this information in writing that they can refer back to at a future time provides reassurance and also means that the client is not leaving empty handed after the consultation.
Having access to a consultation summary is one of the highest rated components of VetRx by its users. Vets should tap into this free customer engagement solution and add value to their consultation documentation.
Create an account in VetRx today to see antimicrobial stewardship in action. Animal Owners, Vets and Pharmacists play a part in reducing antimicrobial resistance.