Alberta's VirtualMD relaxes pressure on overloaded emergency rooms
A different way of getting help for medical problems using 811 has helped a patient get treatment for sinus infection, and has helped the health care system.
VirtualMD connects those calling 811 with doctors and patients using either a secured Zoom link or over the phone. This allows for doctors to conduct an assessment without putting undue strain on emergency rooms.
Kristen Wagner had a sinus infection and was referred to the service because she couldn’t contact her family doctor.
“I called 811 – I was connected with a nurse, they told them what my family doctor had told me to call them and then they let me know about the VirtualMD and if I’d be interested in trying it.”
The doctor who contacted Wagner via VirtualMD a few hours later prescribed her antibiotics over the phone.
“Then she phoned a pharmacy, got it sent to them, and I was able to pick them up,” said Wagner.
Wagner’s experience is similar to what doctors have said while using VirtualMD. Dr. Jenny Edge, a physician who is supporting the pilot project, says that those who use it find it to be a huge help.
“Many patients anxieties are often relieved when I can answer their questions in real time, offer helpful explanations and provide clear-cut directions on when to seek higher levels of care or call 911 for help,” she said.
The idea to launch a program like this came from an increased demand on emergency rooms and urgent care centres in Alberta.
Jonathan Choi, the interim senior provincial medical director for provincial clinical programs and virtual health at Alberta Health Services (AHS), says that 811 had increased volume of calls – leading to VirtualMD being established. The program has seen results in directing patients to the hospital.
“You are preventing an unnecessary visit, but secondly, we are also freeing up capacity of the emergency departments for the people who truly need it,” he said.
VirtualMD has had more than 7,600 patients who have been assessed by a doctor, with 4,200 patients being able to manage at home, according to the AHS.
The service is only available between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. However, AHS says that it could change to a 24-hour service in the future.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.