Leveraging virtual care to address the COVID-19 pandemic

by Alyssa Lioutas, Medisys Health Group

On March 11, the World Health Organization characterized the COVID-19 virus (also known as “coronavirus”) as a pandemic. This outbreak is evolving quickly, but the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) still maintains the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for the general population in Canada.

As you continue to develop and assess your organization’s COVID-19 response and strategy, consider offering your employees access to a virtual care provider that will help them screen symptoms quickly and efficiently, will reduce exposure to risks, and can help save time and money.

1) Triage concerning symptoms immediately — anytime, anywhere
Virtual care brings healthcare to the user, allowing members and their family to conduct secure medical consultations with clinicians right on their phones or computers, by text or video chat.

If employees are worried about symptoms they’re experiencing, or if they have questions about their potential exposure to COVID-19, they can leverage virtual care solutions by simply opening up an app and initiating a consult to talk to a Registered Nurse who can offer advice on next steps.

Worried about low adoption of virtual care across your organization? A recent study on behalf of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) determined that Canadians are ready to embrace a technological evolution when it comes to healthcare. In fact, 75% believe that technology can provide solutions to problems within our traditional healthcare system, like convenient access to care[1], which is especially true in times of crises like the one we are currently experiencing.

2) Reduce exposure by avoiding crowded waiting rooms
Millions of Canadians don’t have family doctors, but 20% of those who do report waiting seven or more days for an appointment.[2] As a result, many turn to crowded walk-in clinics or emergency rooms in order to triage cold, flu and other respiratory symptoms, like those associated with COVID-19.

Virtual care allows users to reduce their exposure to viruses by keeping them at home and out of waiting rooms when they’re feeling unwell, thereby also alleviating the pressure on the in-person healthcare services.

3) Save time (and reduce costs)
Time is money, as the saying goes, and the long travel and wait times associated with seeking non-urgent medical care in Canada can be a drain on both for organizations.

From the costs associated with employees taking time off work (Canadians typically take up to six days off for doctors’ visits[3], a figure that likely rises during public health crises), to the travel and parking costs incurred by employees, in-person medical appointments often end up creating stress around lost time and can also be a financial burden.

Virtual care, however, makes immediate, hassle-free healthcare a reality – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the world.

Remember that it is up to each of us to follow these tips in order to protect our health and the health of our communities:

• Wash your hands with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds, or with hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
• Avoid touching your mouth, eyes, and nose
• Cough or sneeze into your arm or sleeve
• Avoid close contact with anyone who has a fever or cough
• Stay home if you feel unwell

Continue to refer to the PHAC website, contact Public Health and use your virtual healthcare app if you have any concerns or questions related to symptoms you are experiencing.

“I just used this service for the first time, and it was amazingly fast and effective. This saved me a ton of time and effort and lessened the load on our medical system.”

“A great thing to have when you don’t want to leave the house - friendly & knowledgeable healthcare professionals.”

TELUS Health offers a virtual care solution for Canadian employers to give their employees access to 24/7 health care by secure text and video.  Available in French and English, Akira by TELUS Health is a mobile app that enables users to connect virtually with a healthcare practitioner for non-emergency medical issues and mental health support, including assessment of possible COVID-19 symptoms, thus alleviating the strain on clinics and hospitals while reducing the risk for further exposure for patients and healthcare workers. For more information: https://www.telus.com/en/health/organizations/group-health-benefits/employers/akira