Prescribing Support
Here are the 5 steps of guideline-based prescribing:
Patient factors
Species?
Clinical signs?
Body system?
Chronicity?
Which Bug?
Clinical signs + site =
Likely pathogens?
Are antibiotics indicated?
If yes...
Which Drug?
Reaches the site
AND
Eliminates the pathogen?
Best choice?
To effectively treat the infection & preserve last-line medicines?
Did you know...
Evidence from human medicine shows better patient outcomes in association with guideline-based prescribing.
Decision trees
Decision trees are visual quick reference guides designed to act as memory prompts and decision support tools for commonly encountered presentations.
They are a great tool to hang on your walls at work or to have handy on your phone or tablet.
The decision trees are free to download and based on the latest available evidence. There will be more to come, so let us know what clinical presentations you'd like to see covered.
Downloads
Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex - Download tree
Urinary Tract Infections in dogs and cats - Download tree
More decision trees coming soon.
Talking to clients about AMR
Antimicrobial resistance is a One Health issue and we can't solve it on our own. This is why educating our clients about AMR is important.
We've developed some resources with clear, simple, and consistent messages for you to share with your clients.
All inforgraphics are free to download. Share them on your social media or print and display in your waiting room.
Download New Zealand specific companion animal resources here
Download New Zealand specific farm animal resources here
Prescribing legislation and regulation
Legislation on prescription and supply of antimicrobials differs between jurisdictions in Australia.
We recommend that you refer to the veterinary board in your state or territory. Efforts on a state and commonwealth level to introduce greater harmonisation within this legislation are ongoing.
The Australian Veterinary Association has produced a guideline for veterinarians to inform best practice across different jurisdictions. It was last updated in 2013.
AVA Guidelines for Prescribing, authorising, and dispensing veterinary medicines - Download PDF
In New Zealand, veterinary medicines are covered in The Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinarians, released by The Veterinary Council of New Zealand in 2020.
The Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinarians, VCNZ - Download PDF