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The Future of Health : Remote Care



I'm excited to delve back into the realm of virtual and remote care. As we assess the future of healthcare, envisioning virtual care alongside home care seems inevitable, especially given the current strains on hospital capacities and our aging population. Hospitals are grappling with in-patient census levels exceeding 100%, and surgical programs are facing significant backlogs due to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. A well-navigated integration of virtual care holds the potential to alleviate these challenges.

Government recognition of the benefits of virtual care is evident, as two out of my three highlighted resources are sourced from government sites.



The Canadian Institute for Health Information (2023) emphasizes the post-pandemic importance of virtual care, offering compelling insights:

  • Approximately half of Canadians were offered virtual visits in 2022.

  • A third of patient visits occurred in a virtual setting from January to March 2022.

  • Physicians reported an impressive 84% satisfaction rate.

  • A case study in Ontario emphasized the need for standardized data collection and reporting for sustained growth.

    • Virtual surgical care programs showed optimized outcomes and reduced hospital stays.

    • Higher patient satisfaction ratings and increased utilization over the past few years were noted.

  • The pandemic acted as a catalyst, propelling the utilization of virtual care into the spotlight.

  • Equity in virtual care is paramount, considering factors such as low socioeconomic status, rural locations, digital literacy, and accessibility.

    • Recommendations include promoting education, device rental programs, and translation services.

  • Virtual care positively impacts the strain on patient census in acute care hospitals by reducing patient length of stay and enhancing patient education.

  • Below is a map of Canada demonstrating projects that are supported by Canada Health



The Government of Canada contributed an article shedding light on how the third wave of COVID-19 completely transformed the landscape of virtual care. This comprehensive document, featuring nearly 49 recommendations, explores six pillars, including Equity of access and Licensure. Key takeaways include:

  • Financial benefits due to the cost reduction of physical interactions with healthcare professionals.

  • Advocacy for the continued public funding of virtual care.

  • A staggering 600% increase in call volumes for mental health helplines.

  • Physicians granted licenses to utilize platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

  • The estimated market capitalization of the Canadian digital and virtual care industry is $15-20 billion.

  • A strong push for increased use of E-Prescriptions.

  • Acknowledgment of the potential divide virtual care may create in patient-centered care and a call to address equal accessibility, illustrated through a case study involving a patient from a Cree Nation facing various healthcare access challenges.

  • Below is a look at patient preference, and the response to the backlash of the lack of intimacy with remote monitoring





My third resource is a thought-provoking YouTube video by "The Medical Futurist," Dr. Mesko. In this video, he explores the unpreparedness of healthcare systems during the pandemic and endorses the virtual care approach, offering unique recommendations that, while perhaps less feasible, prompt valuable discussion.




The future of healthcare is undeniably influenced with the evolution of virtual care, and these resources shed light on its potential, challenges, and the imperative need for an equitable and accessible approach.


The three resources show that virtual care is validated however to further make a footprint on health care. Funding needs to be addressed, standardized reporting navigated, and proper patient related outcomes will need to be put in place


References

Canada, H. (2022, April 19). The State of Virtual Care in Canada as of Wave Three of the COVID-19 pandemic: An early diagnostic and policy recommendations. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/corporate/transparency/health-agreements/bilateral-agreement-pan-canadian-virtual-care-priorities-covid-19/wave-three-early-diagnostic-policy-recommendations.html#a25


Canadian Institute for Health Information . (2023). The Expansion of Virtual Care in Canada New Data and Information. https://www.cihi.ca/sites/default/files/document/expansion-of-virtual-care-in-canada-report-en.pdf


Mesko, B. (2021). The Future Of Hospitals - The Medical Futurist. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAgCrYrmH3I


 
 
 

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