AntibioticScout.ch: Decision support for prudent use of antimicrobials
Up to now, Switzerland has never had comprehensive, continually updated guidelines for the prescription of veterinary antibiotics. However, experience in other areas of veterinary pharmacotherapy has shown the considerable impact that an online tool can have. We are, therefore, launching a stewardship platform that combines practical recommendations on antibiotics with a resistance reporting system. The aim is to create a user-friendly tool to facilitate the prudent use of antibiotics in livestock, horses, companion and exotic animals. In order to verify the effectiveness of this online tool, we will conduct two trials to collect data on changes in the use of antibiotics at university veterinary hospitals and private practices. We will also carry out a broad survey of Switzerland's veterinary community. These trials will improve the recommendations and determine whether this online decision support system constitutes a valuable aid to optimize and reduce the use of antimicrobials.
Project leader: Hanspeter Naegeli, Vetsuisse Zurich
Project team: Claudia Lehner, Kira Schmitt, Ruth Peter, Daniel Demuth, Cedric Müntener
Project partners: Simone Schuller, Gertraud Schuepbach and Meike Mevissen, Vetsuisse Berne; Barbara Willi, Vetsuisse Zurich; many veterinary clinicians in academia and private practice, Swiss Veterinary Association and other stakeholders
Funding: Swiss National Science Foundation (NRP72), Food Safety and Veterinary Office
Please use the following link to access the AntibioticScout.ch platform
