A survey conducted, which produced responses from over 1,000 AMTRA SQPs, revealed that the regulatory body AMTRA is both demonstrating its value to SQPs, but also highlighting the profitability benefits of following good animal medicines advice.
The online survey, conducted in January 2019, attracted responses from 1,031 professionals, of which 34% were AMTRA SQPs working within agricultural/country stores, 26% in veterinary practices, 25% in pet stores and 6.5% in the equine sector. Another 8.5% of the responding registered SQPs are not currently working as an SQP.
Overwhelmingly, more than 86% of respondents rated AMTRA’s support in encouraging them to maintain the highest professional standards as either ‘extremely well’ (44%) or ‘very well’ (43%), representing a total of 896 of the 1031 responses. Similarly, more than 82% felt AMTRA had communicated its value as a regulatory body either extremely well (39%) or very well (43%).
AMTRA’s secretary general Stephen Dawson said: “We are really encouraged by these key findings from the research survey. In particular, in all four of these key questions, less than 1% of respondents felt these objectives had not been met at all. However, whenever there is less than 100%, we always strive to develop and continue to enhance and improve services.”
The survey also highlighted the availability of a series of point of sales materials, helping SQPs to inform clients of their professional status and capabilities, whilst also explaining the legal requirements before prescribing and supplying animal medicines.
Mr Dawson added: “It was interesting to discover that over 45% of respondents were not aware of the availability of a range of promotional materials to help raise the SQP’s profile as a regulated, professional animal medicines advisor. However, more than 81% said they would like to make use of these materials if supplied.
AMTRA has prepared a range of POS materials, many of which can be easily branded for individual outlets and retail establishments, including leaflets, stickers, posters and badges. Examples can be found on the AMTRA website, by clicking HERE.
