What’s in the box? A toolbox for safe deployment of artificial intelligence in veterinary medicine

Abstract

This report describes a comprehensive framework for applying artificial intelligence (AI) in veterinary medicine. Our framework draws on existing research on AI implementation in human medicine and addresses the challenges of limited technology expertise and the need for scalability. The critical components of this framework include assembling a diverse team of experts in AI, promoting a foundational understanding of AI among veterinary professionals, identifying relevant use cases and objectives, ensuring data quality and availability, creating an effective implementation plan, providing team training, fostering collaboration, considering ethical and legal obligations, integrating AI into existing workflows, monitoring and evaluating performance, managing change effectively, and staying up-to-date with technological advancements. Incorporating AI into veterinary medicine requires addressing unique ethical and legal considerations, including data privacy, owner consent, and the impact of AI outputs on decision-making. Effective change management principles aid in avoiding disruptions and building trust in AI technology. Furthermore, continuous evaluation of AI’s relevance in veterinary practice ensures that the benefits of AI translate into meaningful improvements in patient care.