Veterinary Telemedicine: A literature review

Abstract

As telemedicine becomes more mainstream in the veterinary profession, it is important to understand when and how to utilise it successfully, and its potential downsides. This literature review supports the use of veterinary telemedicine for teleconsultations, and using wearable and mobile health (mHealth) devices for monitoring animal health. Data supporting the provision of virtual care directly to a client within an established veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) is more limited, and some of what we know comes from paediatric medicine on the human side. As we have learned from human health care providers, we must be aware there could be a tendency to overprescribe antimicrobials in a virtual visit compared to an in-person visit. Data have also shown telemedicine can be just as effective in diagnosing respiratory disease when compared to traditional visits to a doctor’s office or hospital. Telemedicine is especially effective in areas where access to care is limited, whether because of geography, finances, or lack of resources. Overall, veterinary telemedicine and telehealth can provide positive results.
 

Telemedicine, access to veterinary healthcare, and animal welfare

“…9 In addition, despite broader use, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, no reports of veterinary telemedicine resulting in inadequate or substandard care have emerged. 10,11 However, at least 10 states specifically forbid veterinarians from using telemedicine technologies with new patients, often going so far as to classify such activities as 'unprofessional conduct' for which veterinarians can be officially disciplined. Similarly, a newly formed coalition of dozens of veterinary medical organizations and industry members reportedly seeks to support the integration of telehealth into veterinary practice, yet expressly limits its use to cases with physically established VCPRs using unsupported claims of enhanced safety and efficacy.…”

“…16 While telemedicine is not a panacea, it is an important tool that can mitigate many barriers and expand access. 10 Telemedicine has the potential to:…”

Seeing the benefits, but not taking advantage of them: Dog and cat owners’ beliefs about veterinary telemedicine

“…The questionnaire content was developed based on a transnational questionnaire study revealing veterinarians' attitudes towards a variety of aspects of modern small animal practice. [28][29][30][31] In relation to specific questions that address the use of telemedicine, a literature review was conducted 2,[7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14]19,20 and served as the main basis for the development of items. Detailed information about the development of the survey in the three different languages and stages of pre-testing can be found in Supporting Information S3.…”

“…The possibility of this has gained increasing attention in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. 3,[5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] From a client perspective, telemedicine offers various benefits, including avoiding transporting the rely on owners' descriptions because they cannot physically examine the patient, which may increase the risk of mistakes in diagnosis and subsequent patient care. [19][20][21] With this in mind, veterinary organisations emphasise that telemedicine can only be provided in an appropriate way if a veterinarian-clientpatient relationship has already been established.…”

UK‐based multicentre cross‐sectional study assessing advice requests veterinary dermatologists received from general practitioners

“…Although Teller and Moberly 1 reported in their 2020 review that paid veterinary teleradiology began in the mid‐1980s, paid specialist telemedicine services have only recently emerged in the UK, with diagnostic imaging being most developed.…”