Global Veterinary Ethics Congress
Blog #2
08May2019
Donald H DeForge, VMD
DonDeForge100@gmail.com
www.SilverSandsVeterinary.com
www.AnimalDentistrySolutions.com
Artificial Intelligence In
Veterinary Medicine
Artificial intelligence (AI)
AI in healthcare is the use of complex algorithms and softwares to estimate human cognition in the analysis of complicated medical data. Specifically, AI is the ability for computer algorithms to approximate conclusions without direct human input.
AI could free up time for Veterinarians
As the average veterinarian appointment time has dwindled AI may be the answer! Do more machines bring more time for client contact or do they actually distance the veterinarian further from pet advocate contact?
Compassionate care is directly associated with pet advocate contact. Maybe the machine is the answer to increasing time with each client; answering their questions; and having a more detailed differential diagnosis.
Machines could definitely improve the SOAP Problem Oriented Medical Record.
When veterinarians are queried about not providing a SOAP on each patient the answer immediately is given...."there is not enough time!" Machines could also clean up clinical records and correlate lab data with clinical assessments allowing expedited reports about patient problems. Some call this "making time grow"!
Veterinary specialists with AI can now walk away from repetition of procedures and spend more time giving the pet owner options of care based on AI diagnostic interpretations and differentials. The machine should increase the doctor-patient interaction and not replace it!
Think of the time animal radiologists would save reviewing specific sites identified by AI.
AI could eliminate incomplete radiology reports or inaccurate radiology reports.
This could be extended to cardiology, pathology, and advanced imaging reports.
One reporter discusses AI as a way for specialist to "come out of the basement" and start talking to patients; review results; and share expertise with generalists. In simple language~"enhancement of care".
Many are skeptical — that’s fair!
To get there, there are also the privacy and data hurdles to contend with in medical records. Although not as complex as in human medicine, it still will be an issue.
The answer is there is no answer! We will move forward but must take the journey in a way in which veterinary medicine will improve the care of the patient without stressing cost factors to the caring pet owners of the world. It is a very exciting time!
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