TELEMEDICINE IS ALL THE RAGE!
The conversation on telemedicine and its
application in veterinary medicine is raging
- perhaps not viral, but close. The dialogue
spans a range of topics on its “rightful role”
in veterinary practice; its actual definition;
increasing client expectations; innovations
in technology; and, of course, what is
reasonable and responsible in terms of great
animal care and outcomes.
In Ontario, this discussion has been at the
Council table since 2013. The College’s
first professional practice standard on
Telemedicine was published in 2016. The
Canadian Veterinary Medicial Association
has also published on this topic, though
their definition at present is quite narrow and
speaks mostly to teleconsultation.
Stateside, the concept of telemedicine is hotly
debated and, in fact, somewhat polarizing.
Advocates in the United States face great
resistance from both the associations and
the regulators, particularly outside of a
conventional veterinarian-client-patient
relationship (VCPR). The Royal College of
Veterinary Surgeons in the United Kingdom is
embracing a future based on innovation and
technology and, just last month, hosted an
innovation summit.
Veterinarians in all corners of the globe
who are embracing technology and care
delivery as the way of the future, begin
their commentary by stating the obvious -
telemedicine in veterinary medicine to some
extent has been happening for years. Clients
are demanding it.
Within an existing VCPR, consultation via
Skype or phone is on the rise; sharing video
or a picture from a distance to augment
a phone conversation occurs regularly,
accredited teletriage centres exist, and online
third party providers are linking pet owners
with veterinarians. And new models are under
discussion to increase access to veterinary
services in remote locations, to the vulnerable
and to currently existing owners without a
VCPR.
Fall 2017
Vol. 33 No. 3
ISSN 0821-6320
FEATURED
Your Guide to Policy
This issue of College Connection explores
the College’s latest policy initiatives.
The College welcomes your feedback on
College Connection!
To balance safety to animals with these
emerging delivery options, many factors
require informed debate. For example, what
about licensing practice across borders,
facility accreditation, managing complaints,
and so on. To assist with thought leadership
on these matters, the College Council recently
formed an international innovation and
technology panel. This group is intended to
include expert advisors, veterinary regulators
from international jurisdictions, as well as a
member of Council, a Canadian veterinary
registrar and a representative of the Ontario
Veterinary Medical Association.
Telemedicine in veterinary medicine is a
dynamic and unfolding journey. Shaping
the future of good veterinary practice is
imperative. Stay tuned!
CONTENTS
AMR Position Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Prescribing & Dispensing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Learning in Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Recent Discipline Summaries . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Peer Advisory Conversation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Podcasts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Instilling public confidence in veterinary regulation.
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