An assessment of client and clinician satisfaction in veterinary teleconsultation compared to in-person consultations.

PICO question Compared to in-person veterinary consultations, does teleconsultation lead to similar levels of client and clinician satisfaction? Clinical bottom line Category of research question Qualitative assessment The number and type of study designs reviewed Eight studies were critically appraised. There were six cross-sectional studies, one randomised controlled clinical trial, and one case report Strength of evidence Weak Outcomes reported All eight studies provided weak evidence of similar levels of clinician and / or client satisfaction Conclusion Teleconsultation can lead to similar levels of client and clinician satisfaction when compared to in-person consultations. However, the evidence is weak due to the subjectivity and varied methods of measuring satisfaction. Furthermore, the current applicability of veterinary teleconsultation is still very limited to certain select scenarios in which it is appropriate (e.g., emergency, triage, remote locations, non-complicated routine postoperative checks, nutrition and behavioural consults).