Quick access
What is the antimicrobial audit template?
The antimicrobial audit template is a free-to-use audit that enables veterinary teams to record antimicrobial prescribing data, automatically classify antibiotics, and explore results using an interactive dashboard.
This template has been developed using a comprehensive product table compiled from available information; however, this list is not exhaustive. The template is designed to be adaptable and to support the evolving needs of veterinary practices.
We also welcome completed audits to be shared with us. These will be anonymised and held internally, allowing us to understand how the template is being used in practice. This insight will help us to continuously improve and refine the template to better support users in real-world settings.
If you would like to suggest a change or request that a product be added, please email ebvm@rcvsknowledge.org.
Getting started
Download the spreadsheet to begin entering your data. The tool has been designed to be simple to use and to generate an automated report to support your audit.
It contains 4 key sheets:
- Important information about the template: Explains the key features and how the template works.
- Instructions: Step by step guidance on completing the audit.
- Data entry: Structured fields to input your audit data.
- Your results: An automated dashboard providing insights into your antibiotic use.
Why should I use the template?
Auditing antimicrobial use is a key component of responsible antimicrobial stewardship and quality improvement.
This reporting template:
- provides direct and practical insights to help you understand prescribing patterns within your practice
- enables internal benchmarking and monitoring over time
- supports evidence-based decision-making
- encourages reflection and continuous improvement.
A collaborative, team-based approach to measuring your antimicrobial use supports open and honest reflection on your results, encouraging shared learning that benefits the whole team and practice culture.
Antimicrobial stewardship benchmarking and support initiatives are available across the veterinary sector, including BEVA, EVSNet, SAVSNet, FAVSNet, VetCompass, and within some Practice Management Systems. These can complement your audit work, provide wider context, and support efforts to improve antimicrobial stewardship.
How do I use the template?
- download the antimicrobial audit template
- decide your audit focus and timescale
- collect and enter your data (via PMS export or manual entry)
- refresh and view the automatically generated dashboard
- discuss findings with your team and identify areas for improvement.
The template is free to use. It has been built using product information for companion animal and equine species, and for products in the United Kingdom. However, it has broader applications, should the product list be updated.
How do I enter my data?
The template is designed to be simple to use, with minimum data entry. Here is some guidance to help you.
Use dropdown lists wherever possible
Many data entry fields use dropdown menus (e.g. Species, Route, Reason for prescribing, Microbiology status). These help ensure data is entered consistently and can be analysed correctly. You can still copy and paste into these fields as you require.
Enter antibiotic names carefully
The name entered in “Antibiotic prescribed” must exactly match the name in the product table for the automatic reporting to work. These names are usually based on how they are stored in Practice Management Systems. The product list has been manually created at RCVS Knowledge, based on available information – it is not an exhaustive list. Where products are not found in the existing list, the dashboard will not show complete results. However, the template is designed to be adaptable and grow with the needs of practices based on feedback. If a product returns ‘not found’, please email ebvm@rcvsknowledge.org to request it be added to the list.
Refresh your results regularly
After entering or updating data, go to “Your Results”, click into a table, and select Refresh All to update your dashboard. You can also refresh by saving, closing and re-opening your file.
I have my results, what next?
Your results provide an overview of your antimicrobial use within a specified timeframe. To maximise impact:
- review findings as a team
- identify opportunities to improve prescribing practices
- set clear, achievable actions
- re-audit after implementing changes to measure progress.
Regular audit cycles help embed quality improvement into everyday practice and support better patient outcomes.
Frequently asked questions
For further information, please email us at ebvm@rcvsknowledge.org.
Do I need special software to use the tool?
No, the template is provided as an Excel spreadsheet and requires only standard spreadsheet software. However, this template has been developed using Microsoft Excel 365 and may not function fully or correctly in earlier versions of Excel. Users working with older versions may experience formatting issues or limited functionality.
Is my data shared externally?
No, the tool is designed for internal use within your practice. Data is not shared back to RCVS Knowledge.
However, we welcome completed audits to be shared with us. These will be anonymised and held internally, allowing us to understand how the template is being used in practice. This insight will help us to continuously improve and refine the template to better support users in real-world settings.
Do I have to pay to use the template?
No, the template is free to use, enabling veterinary teams to measure and reflect on their antimicrobial use in practice.
Can I modify the template?
You can’t modify the antimicrobial audit template itself, as it’s standardised to ensure consistency across all submissions.
However, you can still explore your data in detail using the interactive reporting dashboard, where you’re able to apply filters and drill down into specific results to gain deeper insights
My data keeps showing as ‘not found’, what do I do?
The template uses an underlaying product mapping table that is centrally maintained by RCVS Knowledge that links each antibiotic to key information. If your data is showing as “not found”, it usually means the product entered in the “Antibiotic Prescribed” column doesn’t exactly match or may not yet be included in the central product list. You can request it to be added by emailing ebvm@rcvsknowledge.org.
If you require any further assistance or you have any concerns or comments on this subject, please contact ebvm@rcvsknowdge.org