From Distress to De-Stress: Could Virtual Veterinary Care Rewrite Our Future?

This post is created in partnership with TELUS #TELUS_Partner

Are you a veterinarian seeking a better work-life balance while maintaining high standards of care for your patients? As the veterinary industry becomes increasingly demanding, achieving this balance might seem impossible. However, a new digital solution now available in B.C. and Ontario —TELUS Health MyPet — can help address this very challenge.

As dawn breaks, Dr. James, a dedicated veterinarian, awakens for another demanding day in his bustling animal clinic. His work starts long before the clinic doors open at 8?AM, and stretches far beyond their closing. The constant pressure and concern for his patients weigh heavily on him, often making him feel as though he’s barely keeping his head above water…

If you’re in the veterinary industry, this narrative may feel all too familiar.?

Veterinarians are 2.7 times more likely to experience psychological distress than the general population.?

I’m personally no stranger to this. I’ve witnessed friends abandon their childhood dreams of dedicating their lives to animal care because they found clinical practice too daunting.?

The harsh realities, driven by long hours, the emotional weight of treating sick animals, and the constant pressure of being available, are contributing to a mental health crisis in our profession, a crisis that we must urgently address.

Numerous strategies are required to address this, one of which, particularly appealing to my tech-oriented mind, is virtual veterinary care.?

The question is, can this digital revolution help alleviate the mental health crisis facing our profession? In this blog, we’ll explore why I believe veterinarians should seriously consider embracing existing virtual care services to help supplement their day-to-day practice.

Understanding Virtual Veterinary Care

At its essence, virtual veterinary care involves the remote provision of veterinary medical services, leveraging digital technology as a medium.?

It empowers us to extend our unique knowledge, advice, and solutions far beyond our immediate geographical confines, effectively transcending the traditional boundaries of in-person consultations.?

However, it’s crucial to understand that virtual care in the realm of veterinary practice isn’t a monolithic concept.?

Instead, it comprises several specific services, each designed for a distinct purpose. I’d like to focus on three in particular:

Teletriage:

The swift and remote assessment of a patient to ascertain whether they need an urgent referral to a veterinarian for more intensive treatment allows us to streamline patient consultations. This can be especially useful when a pet owner is uncertain about the need for an in-person visit. (I would have loved this back in the days when I was spending several nights a week doing emergency veterinary consultations in Paris!)

Telemedicine:

The provision of veterinary medicine and services including advice, diagnoses, and treatments, through electronic means, between a veterinarian and pet owner This type of service is particularly helpful for non-urgent medical problems that do not fit into your daily schedule but neither do they belong in an emergency clinic. Telemedicine can provide interim care and prescriptions for your patients until you are able to see them in person.

Teleadvice:

This type of service involves using technology to deliver non-patient-specific general healthcare advice, such as guidelines for crate training a dog or encouraging a cat to exercise. This service isn’t designed to diagnose or treat patients, but instead provides generic advice related to husbandry, nutrition, behaviour, and general health topics. (I know this is something I do a lot on a daily basis!)?

By harnessing this technology and taking advantage of the services that are out there to supplement our in-person practices, I do believe we can revolutionize the way we provide care, making it more accessible, efficient, and effective.

The Advantages of Virtual Veterinary Care for Veterinarians

Efficiency and Enhanced Workflow

One of the primary benefits that virtual care brings to veterinary practice is the opportunity for enhanced efficiency and better workflow organisation.

In a conventional setting, relatively straightforward consultations such as non-urgent medical issues or follow-ups often take up a significant portion of the schedule. I know my days in clinics were often filled with these!?

With the advent of virtual care, these consultations can be conducted remotely, saving precious time for both the veterinarian and the pet owner. Time is of the essence, so I am all for this!

This increased efficiency allows veterinarians to prioritise more complex cases requiring in-person intervention, thereby elevating the overall efficiency and productivity of the practice.

Broadening Access to Veterinary Services

Virtual tools offer an invaluable advantage in extending the reach of veterinary care—which again, I find very appealing.

They democratise access to veterinary services, making them more readily accessible to a wider pool of pet owners. This is particularly beneficial for rural clients or those with limited financial means, who may otherwise find it challenging to avail themselves of veterinary services.

A survey conducted by HealthForAnimals noted that the availability of virtual veterinary services increased from 20% to 47% during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a 75% satisfaction rate among pet owners who utilized these services.

Flexibility in Scheduling and Service Availability

The inherent digital nature of virtual veterinary care enables services to be rendered outside of typical business hours.?

This flexibility offers a significant advantage as veterinarians can accommodate consultations at a wider range of times.?

This benefit is twofold: it caters to clients with busy schedules and allows veterinarians to manage their time more effectively. On my end, this is something I’d definitely enjoy!?

Management of Chronic Conditions Through Non-Urgent Care

Virtual care provides a practical solution for the management of chronic or long-term conditions in pets.?

Veterinarians can remotely monitor patients, lessening the need for regular in-person visits. In turn, that reduces stress for both the pet and the owner, while still ensuring the pet receives necessary veterinary care and attention.

(In my field of expertise, I frequently deal with newborn kittens and puppies, and virtual veterinary care is the perfect solution. Very often, when treating such fragile patients, I prefer to see what is going on before asking their owners to bring them to the clinic.)

Virtual Care in Veterinary Practice: Enhancing Work-Life Balance

As is evident, virtual care is transforming the way veterinary professionals deliver services and I believe that thanks to the advantages it provides, it can significantly improve work-life balance for veterinarians.

Efficient Time Management and Reducing Waiting Lists

As veterinary clinics frequently face high demand, the ability to handle simpler consultations virtually and refer to quality virtual care platforms like TELUS Health MyPet allows veterinary professionals to prioritize their physical presence for more demanding cases.?

This efficient use of skills and time can alleviate the risk of burnout.

Moreover, virtual care can contribute to reducing waiting lists at in-person clinics, leading to decreased appointment congestion and improved workflow.?

In more complex cases, clients can record their pet’s symptoms like intermittent lameness or seizure-like episodes, allowing the veterinarian to analyse the situation remotely and determine the next course of action.

Alleviating Workload and Decreasing Stress Levels

Virtual veterinary care is instrumental in managing workload in veterinary practices, which is particularly beneficial during periods of staff shortage.?

Moreover, the possibility of working from home can increase the number of patients a veterinarian is able to treat.?

This capacity to handle more consultations without compromising on quality or financial stability can significantly mitigate the pressure of staff shortages.

Flexibility for Veterinarians Needing to Step Back

Virtual care also provides an alternative for veterinarians who may need to step back from traditional practice due to personal reasons, such as family commitments or health concerns.?

The flexibility inherent in virtual care allows these professionals to continue serving their patients while managing their personal needs, offering veterinarians a way to better balance in-practice and asynchronous telemedicine duties.?

Asynchronous virtual care allows veterinarians to set a more adaptable work schedule, choosing when to engage and when to take a break.?

This balance between in-clinic and remote work can enhance job satisfaction and overall work-life balance.

The critical nature of work-life balance within the veterinary profession is an undeniable truth. Excessive stress and overwork can lead to burnout, diminished productivity, and decreased job satisfaction. With the increasing demands of veterinary practice, striking a healthy balance is crucial for the wellbeing and efficiency of professionals in this field. Virtual veterinary care emerges as a transformative solution in this context, offering a unique blend of efficiency, flexibility, and accessibility.

As I reflect upon the dreams abandoned due to these pressures, I can’t help but wonder: could the benefits of telemedicine have altered the course of their stories? The truth is, I can’t say for sure. But what I do know is that we must strive to reduce the mental health challenges faced by our profession, and virtual care may hold part of the answer.

Virtual care does not aim to replace traditional veterinary practice; instead, it augments it by introducing new avenues and opportunities. Incorporating virtual care into veterinary services enables professionals to manage their time and workload more effectively, mitigate stress, and adopt a flexible work schedule. And these factors collectively contribute to a healthier work-life balance.

As such, it is essential for veterinarians to consider the adoption of telemedicine as an invaluable tool within their professional arsenal. By capitalising on its potential, they can not only optimise their practice but also significantly enhance their work-life balance. This transition may demand adaptability and continued learning, but it can start with something as simple as a referral to a quality virtual care service.

While we can’t rewrite the past, we can influence our future. My hope is that, through tools like TELUS Health MyPet, we can alleviate some of the mental health burdens that too often come hand-in-hand with our profession. If we can do that, we will have made significant strides towards a healthier, more balanced future for all veterinarians.