OPINION
Two articles outline some of the challenges medical entities and doctors see as telehealth capacity expands. With human medicine already a few years into telehealth development, it is important to monitor the progress, challenges and perceptions.
In this era of tele-everything, it is likely animal health pros can integrate telehealth more effectively, efficiently and profitably than human counterparts.” – Kirk Augustine
Equitable access is a concern and is shared by the animal health segment. Whereas doctors needed telehealth to survive financially, veterinary teams need telehealth to survive physically and emotionally.
Telehealth allows DVMs to establish a value for previously free phone consults and expand client interactions using video technology. Expanding veterinary nurse use in telehealth interviews has potential to use their expertise and add value to client experiences. Telehealth provides great opportunities for clients and veterinary teams to collaborate effectively since the animal is not removed from its home environment.
Source: No patient left behind: Considering equitable distribution of telehealth, Health Affairs, April 20, 2021. Link.
As health care professionals, we have a critical opportunity to leverage telemedicine in a way that addresses and closes historical access gaps to achieve health equity.”
Source: Is telemedicine the de-evolution of medicine? The Hill, April 20, 2021. Link.
The hard truth is that a standard of care does not really exist in medicine, despite the naive belief and hope that we are all treated equally.
Telemedicine is here to stay in some capacity, but can it replace the human touch? Do we — or should we — care if it does? Only time will tell.”