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Many patients report feeling more comfortable confiding in their pets than their PCPs, and with the amount of time folks are spending at home during the pandemic, that bond has only grown stronger. That’s why Epic R&D Labs created a new plug-in that enables the use of canine avatars to better engage patients during telehealth visits.

It’s your real physician, only more irresistible

Providers initiating a video visit will notice very little difference in their workflow. All they do is conduct a video visit as usual, and the technology does the rest, mirroring their mouth movements and mimicking their voice through a “doggified” audio filter. The filters are voiced by professional actors with extensive experience on classic programs such as the Muppets. “We think kids will love it, too,” said Chris Alban, a physician at Epic.

Currently, there are 5 breeds to choose from: Poodle, Chihuahua, Golden Retriever, and 2 mix pups. Each telehealth session closes with a PSA about the importance of spaying and neutering pets.