Perception and awareness of veterinarians and pet Owners towards telemedicine system in veterinary health Care service in Malaysia

Veterinary telemedicine is a distance communication between a veterinarian and pet owners which occurs using telecommunication with the aid of electronic device as a
medium in the practice of veterinary healthcare and it is an advance technology involving veterinary consultations, diagnosis and treatment of diseases in animals via online. This is a pilot cross sectional study to access the perception and awareness of veterinarian and pet owners on veterinary telemedicine in veterinary healthcare service in Malaysia, as well as to access their acceptance level to adopt and implement veterinary telemedicine in the future, in Malaysia. Thus, an online
survey was conducted and a total of 143 respondents, comprised of 47 veterinarians and 96 pet owners from all over Malaysia participated in this study. Statistical
analysis was done and significant association between some categorical groups was determined using Pearson Chi Square test. Based on the findings, a majority of the
veterinarians and pet owners showed a good level of awareness on the system and purpose of telemedicine and also showed positive perceptions towards the usage and
utilization of telemedicine in veterinary practice. The main purpose of this study was achieved, as a majority of veterinarians and pet owners showed a high level of
acceptance towards the necessity to implement the telemedicine system in veterinary health care services in Malaysia.
Keywords: Veterinary telemedicine, Awareness, Perception, Acceptance level