Cat Telemedicine Guest Lecture

Question 1

Different methods of telehealth

Answer 1

• client with VCPR (telemedicine)
• companion animal (telemonitoring)
• pharmacy (E-prescribing)
• specialist or consultant (teleconsulting)
• client, non-client no VCPR (tele-advice/triage)

Question 2

What is video medicine

Answer 2

• use of a tool to exchange info about patient’s clinical health status electronically from one site to another
  
  • May reduce barriers to health & behavior care for cats
  • No research assessing behavioral & physiological effects on cats
• Disclaimer: not appropriate for all appointments
• Uses - teletriage, monitoring chronic conditions, behavioral consults, postsurgical follow-ups

Question 3

importance of VCPR

Answer 3

• reduced negative behavioral & physiological cat responses during video telemedicine vs. clinic appointments
• positive caregiver perceptions of video telemedicine (compared to in-clinic appointments)
  
  • Improved access to cat care, reduced stress for caregivers & cats
  • See value in video appointments

Limitations
- Need to assess more appointment types to better understand how to incorporate video telemedicine into cat care
- Focus on underserved populations (ex: rural)