Collaborative Pet Care: Optimizing Patient Outcomes

Presentation Description / Summary: As how we practice veterinary medicine continues to evolve, exploration of the relationship between specialists and general practitioners is integral. Each segment works closely together yet there can be antagonism at times. The goal of this discussion is to bring a better understanding of the referral and consultation relationship in small animal case management to light and discover key points for each stakeholder to consider to empower and elevate the level of care each pet receives. Using evidence-based medicine and data collected across various specialties an illustration is provided that supports this position. In particular, the use of telemedicine and remote consultations can be a significant value-add to a general practitioner's ability to manage a case under various conditions. Approaches to collecting data to improve offerings, services and relationships will be discussed.