A white paper providing a comprehensive overview of the use and potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in veterinary medicine has been published, including calls for engagement, education and action across the industry.
The online publication, ‘Artificial Intelligence in Veterinary Medicine’, produced by VetCT (a global provider of veterinary teleradiology, teleconsulting and education services) provides a foundational understanding for practitioners about the current and potential uses, benefits and risks of this rapidly developing technology. The chapters provide an introduction to AI and its uses in human medicine, small animal, farm and equine practice, radiology and veterinary education, and the potential impacts on the wellbeing and working life of veterinary teams. Results from VetCT’s recent survey on the opinions of AI within the veterinary profession are included in the paper.
“This is a crucial moment in the veterinary industry to ensure we have the knowledge and safeguards in place to apply AI safely, effectively and with confidence to support good clinical practice and ultimately, improve animal welfare,” Julien Labruyère, Chief Innovation Officer at VetCT, said. “This white paper aims to provide a firm foundation for understanding AI and stimulate discussion on how it may impact both people and animals.”
The paper also calls for the development of industry-wide guidance, standards and regulations to safeguard veterinary teams and animal health and welfare as these tools are deployed. “AI development is accelerating rapidly, with global governments and industries racing to regulate to ensure the benefits outweigh the potential negative impacts of this far-reaching technology,” Labruyère said. “It’s vital that opinion leaders, organisations, and regulators from across the veterinary world come together and develop guardrails so we can have confidence that AI tools will benefit our teams and our patients.”
The full white paper can be downloaded at https://5345458.hs-sites.com/vetct-ai-white-paper