Mobile Technology in Veterinary Clinical Medicine

Background: The need for convenient ways to access technology is expanding. A plethora of apps now exist to make daily life easier for the common person. The medical field has begun to integrate apps into the diagnostic tool set in order to improve human medicine. This form of personal care not only makes patient visits easier for both patient and practitioner because tests and check ups are performed at only one location, physicians believe apps will also enhance their interaction with patients. Purpose: One may then wonder about the effect of mobile technology in the delivery of veterinary clinical medicine. While human medicine incorporates the use of mobile devices for human disease, their use in veterinary medicine is lagging. Methods: Through use of an online survey a sampling of veterinarians were queried to investigate whether or not they believe use of mobile technology will improve their practice. Results: Veterinarians believe there is a strong desire for mobile technology in veterinary medicine and the use of this technology will allow them to practice more effectively. Results showed mobile devices are prevalent and widespread among veterinarians with more than sixty percent surveyed strongly agreed mobile technology will advance patient care, client communication, and improve access to clinical data and medical literature. Conclusion: Gaining insight from veterinarians on mobile technology will help ignite the creation of veterinary apps and other mobile devices to improve the quality and delivery of veterinary clinical medicine.