OMA research finds virtual care not associated with strain on emergency departments
Ontario patients did not turn to emergency departments as a substitute for in-person visits during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
That from new research from the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) and the records of its nearly 8,000 doctors.
Medical professionals said they're not surprised with the findings; many doctors had to make a switch to virtual when the government paused most non-emergency services.
"When medically appropriate, virtual care is incredibly convenient. You don't need to take a day off work or a child out of school or put an elderly parent in the vehicle and drive them when the weather's bad," said OMA president Dr. Rose Zacharias.
According to the OMA, in 2018, only four per cent of family doctors offered video visits, while virtual care now accounts for more than a quarter of all visits.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
What makes this important, the association said it didn't find evidence people were going to the emergency room because in-person care was less available.
Zacharias said every Ontarian knows emergency rooms right now are strained.
"It's only natural to ask why, somethings new and different like virtual care being done by a good majority of family doctors from their offices, is that contributing to the strain on the emergency departments and this study released today shows us the answer is clearly ‘no,’" she said.
Dave Courtemanche is the executive director of the City of Lakes Family Health Team.
He told CTV News virtual appointments have proven to be a useful tool among their physicians.
"When you ask patients, lots of patients appreciate that option. Especially here in northern Ontario and in the middle of winter," Courtemanche said.
"I think it's made access easier and of course there are issues, you have to have the Internet infrastructure, both at your clinic and in the patients' home, you have to have appropriate bandwidth, all of those things come into play so far some patients, maybe it's not as easy but for people who live far from the clinic and are trying to get access, it's easier," he added.
The OMA study looked at records of 7,936 physicians in family health groups and family health organizations from April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021.
The full study can be found here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
BREAKING Toronto Maple Leafs fire head coach Sheldon Keefe
The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced that Sheldon Keefe has been relieved of his duties as head coach. The move comes in the wake of the Leafs being eliminated in the first round of the NHL playoffs.
Bank of Canada says financial system is stable, but risks remain
The Bank of Canada says the Canadian financial system is stable, but risks remain due to debt servicing costs among households and businesses and stretched valuations of financial assets.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Court to hear about search for remains as Winnipeg murder trial enters second day
A courtroom in Winnipeg is expected to hear testimony today about the search for the remains of the four victims of Jeremy Skibicki.
Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
'We can and we must do better': First ever Air Accessibility Summit hits Ottawa
Federal ministers, airline executives and members of the disability community are gathering in Ottawa today for the first ever Air Accessibility Summit.