Digital Health News

Since its launch in March 2018, a total of 40 primary care physicians have been registered for the virtual visits platform, VirtualCare!

The innovative solution offers new ways for providers to securely communicate with patients via chat messaging, phone or video call. Close to 1600 patients in Waterloo Wellington have been registered so far and over 1100 visits have been completed. Using the website or mobile app, patients can send a message or request a virtual appointment with their primary care provider to renew a prescription, discuss chronic condition(s) or new health issue/symptoms, and for health education among other reasons.

What does usage look like to date?

• 38% of virtual visits were initiated by primary care providers to follow-up on previous in-person appointments, discuss lab results and medication. 

• 90% of all virtual visits completed were conducted via chat messaging or phone call.

The year-long Proof of Concept, in partnership with the Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN), will be rolled out to additional physicians and nurse practitioners across the Waterloo Wellington LHIN by the eHealth Centre of Excellence (eCE), with the hopes of increasing capacity in primary care practices and improving the patient and provider experience.

Physicians participating in VirtualCare describe it as a user-friendly platform that allows them to easily answer questions and "see" patients for appropriate concerns, without them having to come into the clinic,  saving them both time and resources.

Some of the latest VirtualCare features:

• Patient self-registration
• Patient and Provider mobile app
• New role for NP’s and Delegates

If you are interested in signing up for virtual visits or looking for more information, please contact Meghan Brenner-Burgoyne.