Revolutionizing veterinary care: The telehealth advantage

In the realm of veterinary practice, traditional in-person patient care has long been the norm. However, the rise of digital technologies has ushered in a new era where veterinarians can remotely diagnose, treat, and oversee the well-being of their animal patients through telehealth solutions. Although, the AVMA has a stance against establishing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) virtually, telemedicine is here to stay.

Telehealth in veterinary medicine encompasses the remote delivery of healthcare services through technology. It encompasses a wide array of activities, from conducting virtual veterinary consultations to monitoring the vital signs of animals from a distance.

Telehealth in veterinary practice can take three primary forms:

• Synchronous: This method involves real-time communication between veterinarians and pet owners, often through live video calls or telephone conversations.
• Asynchronous: In this approach, data, images, or messages related to the animal's condition are recorded and shared with veterinarians for later review.
• Remote Patient Monitoring: Veterinarians can receive data such as behavioral observations or blood glucose readings from pet owners, allowing for remote monitoring of the animal's health.

Advantages of Telehealth in Veterinary Practice

Embracing technology for veterinary care offers numerous benefits:

• Cost Savings: Telehealth can reduce the cost of veterinary care, enhancing accessibility for pet owners.
• Convenience: It provides convenience for both pet owners and veterinarians by eliminating the need for travel and wait times.
• Enhanced Access: Telehealth enables pet owners with limited mobility or those in remote areas to access vital veterinary services.
• Pandemic Preparedness: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the significance of telehealth, ensuring pet healthcare during crises.

The adoption of tele-health in human medicine has grown over the past decade, with a majority of U.S. hospitals now offering remote consultations.

While the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the integration of telehealth in veterinary medicine, virtual visits are embraced by pet owners with nearly three-quarters of them in the U.S. showing a heightened willingness to use virtual veterinary care.

In summary, telehealth has emerged as a valuable asset in veterinary practice, offering convenience, cost-effectiveness, and expanded access to care. Although it is not a one-size-fits-all solution, telehealth is poised to play an increasingly vital role in modern veterinary medicine, providing pet owners and veterinarians with innovative avenues for delivering and receiving high-quality animal healthcare.