Since the onset of COVID-19, many physicians have had to think differently about how to deliver care. Telemedicine and virtual care options have been one way for them to stay connected with and care for patients.
According to a national poll the CMA commissioned last month, almost half the Canadians surveyed have accessed a physician using virtual care options – whether by video, phone, email or text messaging. And with a reported 91% satisfaction rate, it’s clear they’re happy with the medical advice they’re receiving.
For many patients, this is a new experience. To help ensure people who need virtual care feel comfortable and prepared for their visit, the CMA has sponsored the creation of a how-to guide. Patients will learn which medical conditions are suitable for virtual care, how to arrange a visit, what tools and information to have on hand, and more.
If you’re interested in sharing the guide with your patients, you can find it here. The CMA also has a guide for physicians on how to adapt their practice to offer virtual services.
New member resources
Our “Re-opening your practice during COVID-19” page has been updated with new clinical guidance for physicians on how to hold in-person visits safely. It includes information on:
· COVID-19 screening
· Conditions for resuming non-urgent health care services
· Administrative and operational controls
· Environmental cleaning
· Visits with symptomatic patients
· PPE and infection control measures
· Updated information on PPE sourcing, by province and territory