C.D. Howe recommends governments embrace virtual care over next four years

A C.D. Howe Institute report finds that patients are ready for governments to take the next step in healthcare delivery and implement digital health solutions. It notes that progress is slowed by outdated regulations and policies, as well as by special interest groups which affect everything from privacy to labour negotiations. The institute makes several recommendations, aimed at greater implementation of virtual care services over the next four years, including:

• Having provincial regulatory colleges make it compulsory for every provider to have a secure email address;
• Including virtual-care services as part of hospital on-call responsibilities; and
• Making the provision of emailed administrative inquiries, electronic renewals of prescriptions and on-line scheduling part of the accountability agreements for primary-care practices.