Virtual Care is defined as “any interaction between patients and/or members of their circle of care, occurring remotely, using any form of communication or information technology, with the aim of facilitating or maximizing the quality of patient care.” (Reference Women’s College Hospital Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care. Virtual Care: A Framework for a Patient-Centric System. 2015.)

 

Canadians assume that their health information is easily and securely accessible to their health care providers through modern and digitally connected health care systems. Although there have been tremendous advances in digital health technology, Alberta and Canada lag other developed nations in providing interoperable and accessible health information. Unfortunately this has a negative impact on the health and wellbeing of people and populations.

 

When health information is inaccurate or unavailable, the likelihood of making errors in care resulting in harm to patients increases. It is essential for patient safety that an individual’s complete health information is available to the health care team caring for them at all times.

 

The Alberta Virtual Care Coordinating Body (AVCCB) is a non-partisan, collaborative group formed to drive a cooperative and evidence-based approach to virtual care in Alberta. Consisting of stakeholders from across the health continuum, including patient partners and indigenous representatives, the AVCCB is committed to promoting:

 

• The delivery of optimal health outcomes for patients

• The health and wellbeing of populations

• Reducing healthcare cost

• Improving healthcare provider experience