Veterinary Students Underestimate Cat and Dog Owner Adherence and Knowledge Regarding Antimicrobial Use and...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Antimicrobial Resistance
• Veterinarian-Client Communication

Background:

• Understanding pet owner knowledge and behaviors is crucial for effective antimicrobial stewardship.
• Previous research indicated that veterinary students' perceptions can evolve during their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) curriculum.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore veterinary students' perceptions of cat and dog owners' knowledge of antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance.
• To assess students' views on owner expectations and adherence regarding antibiotic use.
• To compare students' perceptions of veterinarian-client communication with actual owner experiences.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was administered to 584 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) students from seven institutions.
• The survey instrument was based on prior research concerning cat and dog owner behavior and communication preferences.
• Student responses were compared to data from a previous study of cat and dog owners.

Main Results:

• DVM students tended to overestimate owner expectations for antibiotics and underestimate owner adherence to prescribed regimens.
• Fewer students than owners agreed that key information about antibiotics (e.g., side effects, cost) is effectively communicated during veterinary visits.
• Students in later DVM academic years showed more positive perceptions of client knowledge, adherence, and communication quality.

Conclusions:

• Veterinary students may hold inaccurate perceptions regarding pet owner knowledge and adherence to antibiotic treatments.
• There is a need to enhance DVM curricula to address student perceptions of veterinarian-client communication.
• Reinforcing the importance of client trust and adherence is vital for successful antimicrobial prescribing and stewardship programs.