EXPLORING THE ROLE OF TELEMEDICINE IN ENHANCING ACCESS TO VETERINARY SERVICES FOR RURAL AND UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES

Abstract

Telemedicine has emerged as a transformative approach in veterinary medicine, offering innovative solutions to long-standing challenges in accessing animal healthcare in rural and underserved communities. This study investigated the role of telemedicine in enhancing accessibility, efficiency, affordability, and quality of veterinary services through a mixed-methods experimental design. Quantitative results demonstrated a significant increase in veterinary consultation frequency, substantial reductions in response time, improved treatment compliance, and high levels of client satisfaction following telemedicine implementation. Economic analyses revealed notable cost savings for animal owners due to reduced travel and associated indirect expenses, while workload assessments indicated more efficient utilization of veterinary professional time. Qualitative findings further supported these outcomes, highlighting positive stakeholder perceptions regarding convenience, continuity of care, and expanded geographic reach. However, the results also identified persistent challenges, including regulatory ambiguity, digital literacy gaps, and concerns regarding diagnostic limitations in remote consultations. Overall, the findings confirm that telemedicine can effectively bridge critical gaps in veterinary service delivery when supported by appropriate technological infrastructure, training, and policy frameworks. This study contributes empirical evidence to the growing body of literature on veterinary telemedicine and underscores its potential as a sustainable strategy for improving animal health and welfare in resource-limited settings.