What can be done virtually? A modified Delphi study offering guidance on virtual companion animal physical examinations.

Nineteen companion animal physical examination components are feasible via video consultation with appropriate clinical context.

This modified Delphi study established evidence-based guidance for conducting companion animal physical examinations via video consultation. Researchers interviewed experienced veterinarians and reviewed literature to identify potential examination components, then distributed three rounds of questionnaires to telemedicine-experienced practitioners, with 90% consensus as the target threshold. Of 42 physical examination components evaluated, 19 achieved consensus as feasible via video, 15 were deemed impossible remotely, and 8 remained inconclusive. Despite participant attrition across rounds (14 to 7 participants), the study provides valuable framework for veterinarians considering virtual practice expansion. The findings acknowledge that while hands-on assessment limitations exist in telemedicine, specific examination components can be reliably performed and assessed through video consultation when clinically appropriate, supporting informed decision-making about virtual versus in-person care delivery.

This summary was distilled by AI and may occasionally misinterpret data. Confirm critical details with the primary literature before clinical application.