Rethinking Telehealth: It's More Than Just Virtual Visits
- Dr. Zeke Zekoff
- May 1
- 1 min read
Veterinary telehealth is at a crossroads, with increasing demands from pet owners for easier access to care. Dr. Sarah Wallace Mitten argues that the veterinary profession needs to broaden its understanding of telehealth to fully meet the needs of pet owners and their animals.
Mitten's perspective is shaped by her experience with Animal Help Ukraine, where telehealth was used to provide care for thousands of pets affected by the war. This experience revealed that a significant portion of cases could be resolved remotely, challenging the conventional definition of care.
The traditional view often equates "care" with in-person exams, limiting the scope of what veterinarians can offer. Mitten contends that this narrow definition overlooks the numerous health-related decisions pet owners make daily outside of the clinic. Telehealth can play a crucial role in supporting these decisions and ensuring pets receive timely and appropriate care.
Pet owners are increasingly seeking veterinary advice through online sources like Google and social media. By embracing telehealth, veterinarians can redirect pet owners away from unreliable information and towards professional guidance.
However, the term "telehealth" has become diluted, encompassing various services that don't always prioritize increased access to care. Mitten suggests moving away from this ambiguous term and focusing on "decision support". This approach emphasizes the veterinarian's role in helping pet owners navigate care options, including when in-person visits are necessary and when they are not.
Ultimately, Mitten advocates for a more inclusive model of veterinary care that integrates telehealth to better serve pets and their owners.
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