Catherine DesRoches, DrPH, Director, OpenNotes
Barking up the right tree: OpenNotes launches canine initiative
UPDATE: April Fools’! Thanks to all who laughed along with us for this announcement. Our apologies to those who were hoping “OpenNotes Unleashed” was a real initiative. For now, OpenNotes continues to partner with our human colleagues to advance open, transparent communication in health care.
— Liz Salmi, Communications & Patient Initiatives Director, OpenNotes
BOSTON – April 1, 2024 – OpenNotes, a pioneer in the movement for transparent and accessible healthcare, announces an innovative partnership with the Boston SPCA* to extend the benefits of open notes to our four-legged friends. The cross-species initiative aims to empower dog owners by providing them with access to their pet’s medical notes from veterinarian office visits, promoting better understanding and care for their beloved companions.
The Canine “Open Notes” Initiative will enable dog owners to access their pet’s medical notes securely through an online platform, by digging up their pet’s medical records from the digital doghouse. From sniffing out diagnoses to tail-wagging treatment plans, owners will have a “paws-on” approach to their pup’s healthcare. By giving owners a “fetching” look at their dog’s medical history, this initiative ensures they’re not just bystanders but top dogs in making healthcare decisions.
“Extending open notes to include our canine companions is a natural progression of our mission to promote transparency and patient engagement in healthcare,” said Dr. Catherine M. DesRoches, Executive Director of OpenNotes. “By giving dog owners a sniff of their pet’s medical records, we’re not just fetching information; we’re fetching better care for our beloved companions.”
Poppy, local canine advocate
Echoing the sentiment, Poppy, a local canine advocate for the initiative, expressed her excitement: “Woof! Finally, I can understand what the vet is saying about me. No more mysteries behind closed doors! This is pawsitively awesome!”
The collaboration has also garnered enthusiasm from the Boston SPCA. “We are dedicated to the welfare of every dog that comes through our doors,” said Sarah Johnson*, Director of the Boston SPCA. “Partnering with OpenNotes to offer ‘open notes’ for dogs aligns perfectly with our commitment to promoting responsible pet ownership and ensuring that every dog receives the care and attention they deserve. It’s time to roll over old habits and paw-sitively fetch better care for our furry companions’ tails and tales.”
The Canine “Open Notes” Initiative represents a significant step forward in advancing transparency and improving access to healthcare information, not only for humans but also for their beloved canine companions. By harnessing the power of open notes, OpenNotes and the Boston SPCA are paving the way for a healthier and happier future for dogs and their owners alike.
For more information about the Canine “Open Notes” Initiative, look at the date of this press release.
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Images and further information are available upon request. Interviews with Dr. Catherine M. DesRoches and Poppy can be arranged.
About OpenNotes
OpenNotes is an international movement spreading, studying, and teaching transparent communication among canines, families, and veterinarians. When clinical notes are shared with dogs, they are called ‘open notes.’ OpenNotes is motivated by evidence indicating that when veterinarians offer dogs and families ready access to clinical notes, the quality and safety of care improves. OpenNotes focuses on research and education, is a not-for-profit, and is based at a hospital that did not approve this press release.
*Boston SPCA is a fictional organization, as is spokesperson ‘Sarah Johnson’. OpenNotes director Cait DesRoches is a long time volunteer for the MSPCA. If this fake press release gave you a chuckle, please make a $5 donation to the MSPCA at https://www.mspca.org/donate-now. Donations are tax deductible. Tell them OpenNotes sent you!
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