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
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.