Telemedicine: the pros and cons
Online consultations between vets and clients were treated with wariness throughout the debate.
In the past 10 to 15 years technology has advanced more rapidly than ever before, and predictions suggest this trend will continue in the next five years. As wearable tech for pets gains popularity and online consultations emerge, the veterinary profession is facing opportunities and challenges in safeguarding animal welfare.
A panel debate at BSAVA Congress today (6 April) revealed a number of potential benefits - namely, the possibility of reaching those pet owners who are not registered with a vet by using interesting technology - such as wearable tech - to engage them in their pet's health.
Panelist and RCVS Council member David Catlow said there are "huge opportunities to offer meaningful healthcare to a larger number of animals," but a regulatory and legal framework will be necessary to protect animal welfare and safeguard the public's trust in the profession.
The panelists stressed that this type of technology must be viewed as an addition to, not a replacement for, veterinary services. Gathering, processing and using data appropriately could flag health issues more rapidly leading to earlier veterinary intervention, explained James Andrews, a veterinary surgeon and founder of the wearable tech company Felcana.
In order to ensure technology works for vets and protects welfare, Mr Catlow said it will be important for the profession to welcome and embrace discussions with technology companies.
Online consultations between vets and clients were treated with wariness throughout the debate and panelists and audience members alike seemed united in the view that these cannot replace physical examinations of animals. A representative from the company Pawsquad, which offers online consultations to pet owners, took the opportunity to clarify that it will not seek to begin offering diagnoses and its service aims to enhance, not replace, the face-to-face consultation. It was also stated that 30 per cent of the company's clients had not visited a vet in the past two years.
One of the key concerns raised during the discussion was, "How will wearable devices be validated?". An audience member noted there have been studies showing incorrect algorithms in various devices, and pointed out that medical devices in the human field must be validated and licensed.
Whilst noting the potential benefits of wearable tech, BVA's senior vice-president Sean Wensley encouraged a "healthy paranoia or scepticism". There are certain devices that teach dogs to interact with a screen when they are left at home alone for long periods, as well as screens for parrots showing other birds.
Whilst the technology could help to mitigate animal welfare issues, Mr Wensley said it should not stop us addressing these welfare issues. In addition, it may be that parrots do not see the films of wild parrots in the way we think they do, owing to colours and flicker frequency, for example.
An RCVS survey on the topic of telemedicine recently closed and Mr Catlow confirmed the next stage will be to analyse the results with a view to hosting a select committee discussion forum on the outcomes.
Ultimately, it appears likely there will be scope for technology to enhance veterinary work, but the implications remain largely unclear for now. It will be essential for the profession to keep pace with emerging technology and develop principles and approaches to ensure animal welfare is protected and any data being generated is useful and accurate.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
