This is the hot topic! This is the subject that creates much debate on veterinary health care boards and amongst veterinarians and pet owners. Clients really want the convenience of getting as much pet care as they can at home, and veterinarians are concerned about consequences that could arise from care that was delivered without actually touching their patient. Much of the buzz comes from the success of telemedicine in the delivery of human health care. Though not ideal for many situations, clearly there are many human health care problems that can be addressed virtually.
To be clear, veterinarians already practice telemedicine all the time but almost exclusively in the context of follow up care to patients they have already touched. Historically, even James Harriott, the beloved country doctor from England, practiced telemedicine. It was not uncommon for Dr. Harriott to take a phone call from a farmer, listen to the description of symptoms, and diagnose an udder infection over the phone. Dr. Harriott would then prescribe a solution, and agree to check on the patient the following day. The concern today is that with the advent of the internet, video conferencing and omnichannel communication tools there will be a massive increase in the number of pets and animal patients who receive care without a physical exam. With no data on whether or not this would be good or bad for pets, a myriad of opinions can be found in place of the data.
Regardless of whether pet owners would really like to experience virtual care, and regardless of whether or not there are veterinarians who would like to provide remote teleservices, the rules governing the practice of veterinary medicine currently limit the ways veterinary virtual care can be delivered. Here is the definition of telemedince from the American Vetererinay Medical Association (AVMA).
“Telemedicine is a subcategory of telehealth that involves use of a tool to exchange medical information electronically from one site to another to improve a patient’s clinical health status. Examples include using Skype or a mobile app to communicate with a client and visually observe the patient for a post-operative follow-up examination and discussion. Telemedicine is a tool of practice, not a separate discipline within the profession. The appropriate application of telemedicine can enhance animal care by facilitating communication, diagnostics, treatments, client education, scheduling, and other tasks. Practitioners must comply with laws and regulations in the state in which they are licensed to practice veterinary medicine. Telemedicine may only be conducted within an existing Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship, with the exception for advice given in an emergency care situation until a patient can be seen by or transported to a veterinarian.”
Of particular note is the need to comply with laws and regulations in each state. Trellis Pet Care believes that in the future there will be standards that outline the parameters for a Virtual-Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship (VVCPR). We are hopeful that a legal framework for the safe and effective delivery of virtual care can be established. Clearly, there will be some pet health care services that should not be delivered virtually. However, just as clearly, and as it has been demonstrated in the human health care field, there will be many pet health care needs that can be addressed with telemedicine. Trellis Pet Care is monitoring the veterinary teleservices field very closely. Stay Tuned!
Brad Burrington, D.V.M.
Founder Trellis Pet Care