Virtual health care is a form of health care that has emerged and become highly popular over the past five years. In Canada, there has been a significant increase in the number of people who will use some form of technology to have a remote visit with their health care provider.
The Growing Trend and Advantages of Virtual Care in Modern Healthcare
Virtual care has been defined as “any interaction between patients and/or members of their circle of care, occurring remotely, using any form of communication or information technologies, with the aim of facilitating or maximizing the quality and effectiveness of patient care.” Now that technology has advanced to such a high level, it is now relatively easy to have a good quality interaction where the patient and practitioner can be seen and heard and can have an effective and engaging communication with one another.
However, aside from just the presence of the technologies that allow for it, there are many good reasons why there is a growing trend towards more virtual care appointments between patients and their healthcare practitioners.
Going to an in person visit with your health care provider can be costly, stressful and time consuming
Enhancing Accessibility, Convenience, and Effectiveness in Modern Healthcare
We live in a society where everyone is busy and travelling from one place to another can be costly, stressful and time consuming. For example, the typical visit to a doctors office may take up to one hour of travel in each direction, the need to pay for gas and parking, it might involve sitting in a waiting room for several minutes to an hour and this time, money, effort and stress might be just to have a 10 minute interaction with the doctor.
The thought of taking a day or half a day off of work to have such a quick appointment seems nonsensical, especially when considering the ease, efficiency, accessibility and comfort of using the phone or an online platform to have the appointment instead. It is in this way that virtual care options have made health care more accessible to patients who are in need. In my work as a naturopathic doctor, I have found virtual care to be a very effective and efficient way to provide care since the vast majority of time is spent talking to patients to assess their health and to provide treatment options.
My appointments typically last between 30 to 75 minutes and the time is entirely spent conversing with one another so as a result I can be equally effective as a Naturopathic Doctors while delivering care online when compared to in person and the added advantage is that the patient can be in the comfort of their home or office while getting their health care.
Advantages | Potential Downsides |
|---|---|
Virtual care is more available | The patient needs to have internet & a suitable device |
Virtual care is less costly (parking, gas) | Require the patient to have tech literacy |
Virtual care accessible (elderly, injured, ill and disabled) | Virtual care cannot replace every in-person service |
Virtual care may improve health outcomes | An in person visit may still be required |
Limitations and Security Challenges of Virtual Health Care
Even though virtual health care is a valuable tool, it will not completely replace in person health care visits. Even after having a virtual visit with a health care practitioner, an in person visit may still be required since the virtual appointment cannot replace every in person service, such as physical exams, imaging, or other tests and procedures.
Also, since virtual health care visits are entirely technology dependent, even when all the right devices and software are being used, there can be service disruptions and glitches from time to time, which can be challenging. Also, healthcare providers have to take special care to ensure that health information is still being safeguarded as confidential when employing virtual health care. This may include using specific electronic medical records software, specialized video call platforms, and advanced encryption software.
Virtual care represents a practical and valuable option that allows them to prioritize their health while balancing the demands of modern life
Enhancing Accessibility, Efficiency, and Patient Experience in Modern Medicine
Virtual health care has become an indispensable addition to modern health care practice, offering patients a more convenient, efficient and accessible way to connect with their health care providers. While it cannot fully replace the need for in person visits, especially when physical examinations or certain diagnostic procedures are required, virtual care significantly enhances the patient experience by reducing barriers related to time, cost and travel.
As technology continues to advance and as providers remain vigilant in maintaining patient confidentiality and service quality, virtual health care will only become a more integral and trusted component of comprehensive health care delivery. For many patients, it represents a practical and valuable option that allows them to prioritize their health while balancing the demands of modern life.
Ready to experience the convenience and flexibility of virtual care? Book your virtual appointment with Aspire Natural Health today and connect with our expert healthcare providers from the comfort of your home. Take control of your health schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.What is virtual care and how does it work?
Virtual care refers to any remote interaction between patients and healthcare providers using communication technologies, such as video calls, phone calls or secure messaging, with the goal of delivering quality and effective patient care.
Patients can connect with providers from their home or office, discuss health concerns, receive advice and sometimes even get prescriptions or follow up care without needing to visit a clinic in person.
2.What are the main benefits of virtual care?
Virtual care offers increased accessibility, convenience and efficiency. It saves time and money by eliminating travel and waiting room times, provides easier access for those with mobility or transportation challenges and allows for more flexible scheduling. Studies also show it can improve appointment completion rates and support better management of chronic conditions.
3.Are there any limitations or downsides to virtual care?
Yes. Virtual care cannot fully replace in-person visits, especially when physical exams, diagnostic imaging or procedures are required. It also depends on reliable technology, patients need internet access and a suitable device and technical issues can occasionally disrupt care. Additionally, not all patients may be comfortable with or have access to the necessary technology.
4.Is virtual care safe and secure for my personal health information?
Reputable virtual care platforms use advanced encryption, secure electronic medical records and privacy compliant video call systems to protect patient information. However, patients should use secure internet connections and devices and providers must ensure compliance with privacy regulations to safeguard health data.
5.Can I get prescriptions or refills through virtual care?
Yes, many common prescriptions and refills can be provided during a virtual appointment, depending on the provider’s assessment and local regulations. For some conditions, an in person visit may still be required.
Conclusion
Virtual care has rapidly become a vital component of modern healthcare, offering patients a convenient, efficient and accessible way to connect with their providers. While it cannot fully replace in person visits, especially for physical exams or specific diagnostics, virtual care significantly reduces barriers related to time, cost and travel. As technology advances and security measures remain robust, virtual care will continue to play an increasingly important role in comprehensive healthcare delivery, empowering patients to prioritize their health while balancing the demands of daily life.
