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Recommended Reading
1 Gawande, A. (2010). The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right. New York: Metropolitan Books.
2 Oxtoby, C., Ferguson, E., White, K. et al. (2015). We need to talk about error: causes and types of error in veterinary practice. Vet. Rec. 177 (17): 438.
2.5 Virtual Care (Telehealth)
Lowell Ackerman, DVM, DACVD, MBA, MPA, CVA, MRCVS
Global Consultant, Author, and Lecturer, MA, USAr
2.5.1 Summary
Today's consumers want their healthcare on their own schedules, and at their own convenience. Since most have smart devices, they typically have access to online messaging, images, and even video, and are used to these devices playing a central role in their lives.
Telehealth (or virtual care or connected care or even healthcare on demand) is the umbrella term used for healthcare consulting delivered remotely, and can be subdivided based on the parties involved in the consultation.
Veterinarians providing telehealth must comply with all laws and regulations associated with their license to practice veterinary medicine. The standard of care is the same regardless of whether telemedicine or in‐hospital care is provided.
Telehealth has the potential to enhance animal care and the delivery of veterinary services, and regulations are evolving accordingly.
2.5.2 Terms Defined
Electronic Prescribing (E‐Prescribing): The use of digital electronic prescriptions rather than providing a printed prescription or faxing a prescription.
Mobile Health (mHealth): Subclassification of telehealth in which mobile applications (apps) and wearables are used to provide healthcare information for pets.
Teleadvice: Subclassification of telehealth in which only general advice is provided that is not specific to a particular patient's situation.
Teleconsulting: Subclassification of telehealth in which the consulting takes place between a primary care veterinarian and a specialist.
Telehealth: Broad term to describe healthcare consulting delivered remotely. Sometimes referred to as virtual care or connected care.
Telemedicine: Telehealth delivered between a veterinarian and an animal‐owning client, under the auspices of a veterinary–client–patient
