A new report in the Canadian Medical Association Journal highlights how a collaborative virtual support network in British Columbia is transforming healthcare access for rural, remote, and First Nations communities. Led by the Rural Coordination Centre of BC, the First Nations Health Authority, the BC Ministry of Health, and the UBC Digital Emergency Medicine Unit, this initiative includes both patient-facing services and decision support for local health professionals.
Key Points:
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In British Columbia, a partnership led by the Rural Coordination Centre of British Columbia, the First Nations Health Authority, the BC Ministry of Health, and the University of British Columbia’s Digital Emergency Medicine Unit built a network of virtual care services to enhance access and advance equity for rural, remote, First Nations, and pan-provincial communities.
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The Real-Time Virtual Support network includes patient-facing services, as well as decision supports for health professionals in communities.
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These services and partnerships have improved access to primary, emergency, and specialized care, and have improved the retention and support of rural practitioners.
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Potential risks include deepening the “digital divide” or fragmentation of care by these services if insufficiently connected with existing in-person health services.
Read the article: Real-Time Virtual Support: a network of virtual care for rural, remote, First Nations, and pan-provincial communities in British Columbia
Download PDF: https://www.cmaj.ca/content/cmaj/197/26/E754.full.pdf
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