What was the challenge/problem addressed?
In the region, there is a shortage of rural veterinarians available, with most practitioners retiring without successors. Only one veterinary practice is exclusively rural, while others are mixed.
A survey conducted among farmers and smallholders reveals a genuine lack of specific rural skills.
The livestock density is low, resulting in limited profitability and numerous trips, leading to costs and loss of time. These travels also impact canine activity, and emergencies in livestock disrupt veterinarians’ schedules. Therefore, the region is not considered particularly attractive for rural veterinary practice.
It is crucial to improve the veterinary network to maintain farming in Île-de-France and ensure good health monitoring to prevent disease spread (especially by enabling small animal owners to access veterinary services).
How did you solve the problem?
The project is based on an initial diagnosis, including counting the number of animals in the region, interviews with farmers, and discussions with veterinarians to understand the challenges.
It is structured around three axes:
Facilitating the establishment of rural veterinary structures.
Training canine veterinarians in rural practice, especially in rural areas.
Strengthening the capacity for livestock care at the veterinary school.
For axes 1 and 3, the use of tele-expertise is considered, particularly through connected glasses recommended by CRAPDL. This would enable remote support for veterinarians by experts, offering tailored and practical assistance. The project aims to first test this approach, evaluate its usefulness, and then consider commercial development aspects afterward.
What is innovative in your practical case?
The project involves creating a network of experts on a national scale, promoting collaborative work in the veterinary sector, which is uncommon at present.
It also includes partnerships between farmers and veterinarians, aiming to enhance collaboration and exchange of expertise.
Connected glasses, already used in human medicine, would be adapted for use in the veterinary field. Additionally, a video conferencing network would be established to meet the connectivity needs of underserved areas.
What are the success factors in solving the problem?
The motivation of stakeholders has fostered a good working dynamic essential for the success of this project. Additionally, funding has enabled the acquisition of necessary equipment (such as camera glasses) by the chamber.
Lessons learned
It might have been better to wait before acquiring experimental equipment by considering the protocol more thoroughly in advance. However, this was done because the funding was allocated for a year and could not be postponed.
What role does the advisor or advisory service play with the practical case?
The advisor’s role is to coordinate the various actors involved in the project, organize exchanges, and ensure project follow-up. In advance, they work on structuring the initiative and linking the project’s different stakeholders.
Can your approach be transferred and/or adapted for other innovation challenges and regions?
Yes
Estimated transferability on a scale from 1 to 5
(where 1 is easy and 5 very difficult)
3
For sharing the experience on the good practice, please contact
Margaux Gelin
margaux.gelin@idf.chambagri.fr // agathe.darret@apca.chambagri.fr
Link to external information
https://idf.chambre-agriculture.fr/produire-innover/nos-innovations/innovation-en-elevage/tele-expertise-veterinaire/ & XpertEye suite| Frontline worker apps (youtube.com)