Benefits and drawbacks
Benefits
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Easily accessible for many providers.
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Various types of virtual care (e.g. phone calls, Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex).
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May be able to offer additional services such as virtual ER/urgent care services.
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Cost-efficient and convenient.
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Improves access for home-bound patients.
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Reduces missed work time.
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No travel.
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Effective way to quickly triage the severity of a patient's chief complaint.
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Convenient mode for prescription renewals for chronic medications, saving the patient an unnecessary trip.
Drawbacks
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Equipments and technology. Devices are required, which may be expensive or unaffordable.
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Not friendly to all patient demographics (e.g. older adult population). Requires knowledge on how to navigate an electronic device, the internet, connecting to a platform.
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Slow internet connectivity (wifi signal, band width) may lead to delays/lags in understanding the conversation.
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May not be appropriate for all patients, espcially patients with hearing impairment.
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May take new patients longer to feel comfortable with their health care provider(s).
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Perceived lack of connection between patient/provider.
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Long hours online ("virtual fatigue").
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Confidentiality and patient safety may be a concern, espeically in cases of domestic abuse where the patient may not be alone in their home.
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May require two appointments if it is decided to bring patient in as some investigations require a physical exam.
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Unequal compensation and management of billing for virtual care (billing in some provinces is less for virtual care visits than in-person visits).