Vet-AI and Joii Pet Care released new insights into the effectiveness and safety of remote prescribing. They are collected from tens of thousands of consults during the pandemic, as well as exclusive pet parent research which highlights owner expectations and needs. The insights were first shared in a live webinar called The Great British Data Show last week hosted by The Veterinary Virtual Care Association in the USA.
Vet-AI’s evidence is clearly showing that remote veterinary care can be safe and effective, but it also demonstrates that the benefits extend to pets, pet parents and the wellbeing of the profession too.” – Ali McIntyre, VVCA executive director
Source: VVCA, May 5, 2021. Link. “. . . across the vet industry as whole, we all need to work together to understand where technology can enhance existing services to improve access and reduce care costs to deliver the very best people and pet outcomes.”
From the consulting data results shared:
- Just over 80% of the consults being seen were manageable by a variety of remote means
- Around a third of consultations (29%) required follow-up with the remote team
- 1 in 4 were recommended some form of product – not always prescription medication
- 12% were deemed as not needing veterinary care
- 6% were deemed to need non-urgent in-person veterinary care
- Only 4% were deemed emergencies
- Of the 25% that required medication, it was roughly 50/50 prescription versus non- prescription products
INSIGHTS: The same high standards of veterinary care are similar across the UK, Canada and the U.S. Using data and leveraging AI to improve veterinary care is an incredible and exciting opportunity for the whole veterinary profession.