LAS VEGAS, NV — A new peer-reviewed study published in the Open Veterinary Journal identifies a powerful solution to veterinary ER overcrowding: professional teletriage. The research, which analyzed over 1,500 canine patients, proves that 77% of gastrointestinal (GI) cases—one of the most frequent reasons for emergency visits—can be safely managed at home with professional teleadvice.
The collaborative study by Shadi J. Ireifej (VetTriage), Samantha L. Morello (Cornell University), and Marty Lesser (Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell) found that only 23% of dogs presenting with GI signs required immediate in-person emergency referral. The remaining 1,215 patients were successfully provided with at-home palliative care and monitoring instructions until their primary veterinarian was available.
As the leading teletriage platform, VetTriage uses the data from this study to help pet owners determine the best next step for their pets in real-time. By identifying true emergencies versus cases manageable at home, VetTriage provides peace of mind to owners and critical relief to overstretched emergency animal hospitals.
The study concludes that synchronous video teletriage holds “tremendous promise” for maximizing the veterinary workforce and expanding access to care across economic and geographic constraints.
Read the full study here: Retrospective analysis of teletriage and teleadvice administered to 1,575 dogs with gastrointestinal signs
