Using Virtual Care

Using virtual tools to help slow the spread of COVID-19

Virtual care is a vital tool in Ontario’s attempts to slow COVID-19.

Emails, text messages, phone consultations and direct-to-patient video visits allow patients to connect safely at a distance, minimizing the risk of infection.

Virtual care can help slow the spread of COVID-19, keep patients with manageable symptoms safe from exposure at home, get those who need it the care they require, and help ease the burden on clinics and hospitals across the province.

Virtual care can be used by your health-care providers to:

• Screen patients
• Gather patient history, including travel and exposure detail
• Assess symptoms, severity and treatment options
• Monitor progress and check in on patients in isolation
• Communicate with multiple individuals at once, including family members and/or caregivers
• Connect with colleagues to share information and seek additional clinical input/advice

A good resource to learn how to use virtual tools can be found here:  Resources for patients

Additional information, including important updates on the evolving COVID-19 situation and are available via:

• Ontario's Ministry of Health
• The Ontario Medical Association
• Local public health units
• The Public Health Agency of Canada

As per Ministry of Health protocols, patients are reminded:

• Patients with COVID-19 symptoms should contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 or their local public health unit
• Patients should not visit dedicated COVID-19 assessment centres unless they have symptoms
• Patients should not call 911 unless it is an emergency

Working together, the well-being of patients and their families—and all Ontarians—remain our No. 1 collective priority.