Half of patients in Alta. rate virtual care experience on par with in-person physician visits

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta reveals that 47% of patients in the province who received virtual care in late 2021 saw no difference in care delivery between online and in-person visits. However, 43% rate their experience with virtual care as being worse than in-person. Seven-out-of-10 indicated there are no barriers for them to receive virtual care but for those that feel there are, the main reasons are:

• Lack of access to technology (9%);
• Uncomfortable with technology (7%);
• Concerns about diagnostic limitations (4%); and
• Availability concerns (1%).

Patients also identified confidentiality and the impact on patient-physician relationship as concerns and barriers.