How Virtual Doctors Are Keeping Rural Emergency Rooms Open Across Canada
As Canada faces a healthcare staffing crisis, provinces are increasingly turning to virtual emergency room (ER) solutions to keep smaller hospitals running. Programs like Virtual Emergency Room Rural Assistance (VERRa) in British Columbia (B.C.) are using virtual physicians to provide critical overnight coverage in rural communities, ensuring ERs stay open even when local staffing falls short.
Virtual Emergency Care in Action
Dr. Michael Ertel, an emergency physician based in Kelowna, B.C., begins his shifts not at a hospital but in the basement of his home. From there, he virtually oversees emergency care at Mackenzie and District Hospital, located hundreds of kilometers away. The virtual setup enables Ertel to consult with on-site nurses and patients via video calls, ensuring continuous care in a community of just 3,300 people.
“Sometimes, if we can’t do it, they shut down overnight,” said Ertel, reflecting on the program’s critical role in keeping the ER operational.
Nurses like Amber Pasichnyk handle triage and initial assessments on the ground, gathering vital information before connecting patients with virtual doctors. While this process adds to their workload, Pasichnyk believes the system is invaluable, particularly for non-urgent cases.
“It’s better than nothing,” said Wendy Martin, a patient who was diagnosed with walking pneumonia via a virtual doctor at Twin Oaks Memorial Hospital in Nova Scotia. Despite preferring in-person care, Martin acknowledged the importance of virtual consultations in rural settings.
The Growing Use of Virtual ERs in Canada
In addition to B.C., provinces like Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Saskatchewan have adopted similar virtual ER models. For instance, Newfoundland relies on private provider Teladoc Health for virtual physician coverage. These programs aim to address gaps in healthcare staffing while providing immediate care to underserved communities.
Dr. Lindsey Dobson, a local physician in Mackenzie, emphasized how virtual coverage provides much-needed relief for local doctors. “It means a lot and it’s a huge relief,” she said, adding that the program allows her to spend time with her family and recharge.
Since its launch in 2021, VERRa has prevented over 5,000 hours of ER closures or diversions in B.C., according to officials.
Addressing Healthcare Challenges
While virtual ERs offer a temporary solution, healthcare experts agree they are not a long-term fix. Critics like Fiona Clement, an associate professor at the University of Calgary, question the quality of care delivered virtually, especially for critical emergencies.
However, proponents see potential beyond stopgap measures. Dr. Kendall Ho, chair of the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians’ digital emergency medicine committee, believes virtual care can improve recruitment and retention in rural healthcare, fostering long-term sustainability.
Efforts to strengthen Canada’s healthcare system will also require hiring more internationally-trained doctors, increasing medical school enrollments, and improving working conditions for healthcare professionals. Until then, virtual ER programs like VERRa are helping to fill critical gaps, ensuring patients in rural communities have access to care when they need it most.
Source : Swifteradio.com
