Veterinary quality management and proper use of antibiotics: The benefits of monitoring surgical site infections during neutering

Résumé fourni par la source

Despite national recommendations discouraging the use of perioperative antibiotics during veterinary neuter surgery in companion animals, such use persists. This study explores the acceptability and perceived value of monitoring surgical site infections (SSIs), based on the hypothesis that such monitoring may encourage a reduction in prescriptions, either by reassuring teams that their practices are safe, or by enabling practice adjustment. A prospective observational study was carried out on 384 animals operated on in 15 French veterinary clinics. Veterinarians completed a spreadsheet including species, type of surgery, perioperative antibiotic use and SSI occurrence. A subset of participants was then subjected to a quantitative analysis of perceived usefulness, potential for clinical integration, changes in practice and obstacles encountered. The overall SSI rate was 1.56% and the overall rate of peri-operative antibiotic use, all species combined, was 11.2%. The use of peri-operative antibiotics did not show an association with a reduction in SSI risk. Among respondents, 94% found the approach useful, and 84% would support its continued use provided that it is automated. Reported benefits included validation of existing practices, increased confidence, and the practical observation of antibiotic-free safety in selected situations. Overall, the follow-up appeared primarily to reassure teams already engaged in appropriate prescribing practices, and to support a change in practice for a minority who were still hesitant. The SSI indicator thus appears to be a potentially relevant lever for supporting changes in daily practices, provided it relies on a simple, automated tool with clear added value. This quality-improvement-inspired approach could be used by veterinary teams as a tool for continuous improvement, practice-based learning and sharing of best practices.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.