A structured, behavioural science approach to the preparation of antimicrobial stewardship interventions for companion animal veterinarians

Background A structured, behavioural science approach was adopted to develop antimicrobial stewardship interventions in UK first‐opinion companion animal veterinary practice. The objectives were to identify behavioural targets for intervention and to understand how practice contexts influence these behaviours. Methods Behavioural targets were selected by expert collaborators from a longlist prepared by the lead author. Five veterinary practices were recruited through opportunistic sampling. The lead author shadowed 17 consulting veterinarians, recording observations and informal interviews. Common themes were identified through a combined deductive and inductive approach to describe barriers to and enablers of the behavioural targets. Results The behavioural targets were that veterinarians should: (1) document why they prescribed the highest‐priority antimicrobials, (2) perform cytology, (3) prescribe alternative pharmaceutical interventions, and (4) provide advice and reassurance. Important barriers were that veterinarians were unfamiliar with less critically important antimicrobials for cats and non‐prescription topical chlorhexidine products. Limitations A single researcher was responsible for constructing the longlist of behavioural targets, visiting practices, collecting data, and coding observations and quotations. The behavioural targets were complex and data saturation was unlikely to have been achieved. Conclusions Choosing and exploring behavioural targets in a structured manner identified clear and specific targets for intervention.