Understanding the use of and compensation for virtual-care services in primary care

ABSTRACT

Provincial and territorial health systems across Canada continue to struggle with delivering timely access to primary-care services. In 2016, 74% of Canadians reported in the Commonwealth International Health Policy Survey that they received excellent or very good care from their regular doctor, which is above the 11-country average of 65%. However, Canadians also reported the longest wait times to see a primary-care provider across the 10 countries, with one in five reporting a wait of over seven days the last time they needed medical attention. To address this challenge, policymakers across the country have been increasingly exploring options to improve the delivery of patient-centred health services through the introduction and evolution of virtual care to enhance accessibility and efficiency.