2026-10-13T21:26:54Z https://api.figshare.com/v2/oai

oai:figshare.com:article/32826245 2026-10-01T16:09:36Z portal_1172 item_type_8 month_year_10_2026

Implementation and evaluation of a behaviour change intervention to reduce antimicrobial use on farms Laura Gribben (24304502) PUREID: 671744447 Agriculture behaviour change communication Agricultural antimicrobial use (AMU) is a contributor to antimicrobial resistance and accordingly there is a need to promote judicious use within the sector. Farmer-facing actors, such as farm advisors and veterinarians, are influential sources of support for farmers to help them adapt their farming systems to facilitate sustainable production, without over-reliance on antimicrobials. These farmer-facing support actors work at the interpersonal level to facilitate change and accordingly there is a requirement for competencies related to communication within the context. With this in mind, the aim of this thesis is to explore behaviour change communication approaches and the effectiveness of behaviour change training for these actors, with a view to supporting on-farm behaviour change related to AMU. Firstly, to broaden our understanding of how advisors currently support behaviour change, the Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy v01 (BCTTv01) was used to categorise the ‘change activities’ or behaviour change techniques (BCTs) advisors commonly deliver when working with farmers to facilitate change; twenty-one BCTs were identified, including goal setting and social support. Subsequently, a critical review of the literature identified that VASE-R (Video Assessment of Simulated Encounters Revised) was a suitable motivational interviewing assessment tool which could be adapted for a time and resource- limited veterinary training setting. Building upon the previous findings, two behaviour change training programmes were delivered and evaluated. The ‘MAP of Behaviour Change’ training programme was delivered to advisors. While a motivational interviewing programme was delivered to veterinarians. Both training programmes supported increases in communication knowledge and skills, however structured follow up and additional skills practice opportunities are recommended. <br><br><i>Thesis is embargoed until 31 July 2027.</i> 2026-10-01T16:09:36Z Text Thesis 10.17034/32826245.v1 https://figshare.com/articles/thesis/Implementation_and_evaluation_of_a_behaviour_change_intervention_to_reduce_antimicrobial_use_on_farms/32826245 All Rights Reserved Open Access after 2027-07-31