Evaluation of prescribing practices for gabapentin as an analgesic among veterinary professionals

Electronic survey investigating UK veterinarians' perceptions of the potential for veterinary prescription medication misuse or abuse

OBJECTIVE

To investigate veterinarians' experience and perception of the risk of veterinary prescription medication (VPM) misuse and abuse by the public and veterinary professionals and to determine the clinical context in which respondent veterinarians prescribed certain VPMs.

STUDY DESIGN

Anonymous online voluntary survey.

POPULATION

A total of 361 of 7126 veterinarians registered as practicing in the UK, who provided e-mail contact details to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Knowledge for participation in research. Respondents included general practitioners, with or without further qualifications, and European specialists, covering charity, private or academic small, large or mixed animal practice.

METHODS

The anonymous online survey, open from September to December 2021, posed 27 questions regarding personal experience and perception of VPM misuse or abuse, including which VPMs were considered most at risk of abuse by clients or veterinary staff. Thematic analysis was performed on free-text sections.

RESULTS

The participation rate was 5% (361/7126), and the completion rate 60% (216/361 respondents). Of these, 88% of respondents somewhat agreed, agreed or strongly agreed that some VPMs were at risk of abuse. A third (29.9%; 107/358) had suspected an owner of taking VPMs, and one fifth (20.1%; 72/358) had suspected veterinary staff. Perceptions regarding the likelihood of public VPM abuse ranged from not suspecting a problem to having first-hand experience. Drugs considered most at risk of owner abuse were opioids, benzodiazepines and gabapentin, and those for veterinary staff were opioids, benzodiazepines and ketamine. Numerous 'red flags' prompting suspicion of VPM abuse were identified alongside ways of mitigating risk.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Veterinarians in the UK reported varied experiences with, awareness of, and attitudes towards VPM abuse by the public and veterinary staff. Although not quantified, the UK veterinary industry could be a source of abusable drugs.

Medication safety education: more than just a human concern?

The medication misuse epidemic continues to be a major concern for both human and veterinary health-care providers. Medication misuse of veterinary prescribed drugs is contributing to the public health crisis. Education of students regarding appropriate prescribing, communication with clients about medication storage, recognition of signs of vet shopping and animal abuse, and appropriate pain management strategies are essential steps for ensuring our students are prepared for the world that awaits them outside the halls of academic veterinary medicine. This is the moment where veterinarians can make a difference in the lives of patients, students, and the public health.