The virtual care program facilitates virtual appointments for patients with an existing specialist or health care provider using secure video conferencing technology.
KCHC is a patient host site (designated physical location for patients to attend a video visit in their own community). This service is utilized when nursing support is needed, the use of medical peripherals is required, or the patient does not have the necessary technology or digital literacy to use home video visits. This enables equitable access to care when there are patients not able to access technology to support OTNinvite or require assistance from a nurse.
What is new in virtual care at a patient host site?
The ability for health care providers to use alternate video conferencing platforms (i.e. MS teams) instead of OTN and still have the patient seen.
KCHC is one location where patients can speak with their health care provider virtually. Other partner sites include:
- Kingston Health Sciences Centre (Hotel Dieu Hospital site)
- Napanee Area Community Health Centre
- Street Health Centre
- Sharbot Lake Family Health Team
- Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte
Virtual care nurses are:
- Trained in the use of medical peripherals (i.e. digital stethoscope for listening to heart and breath sounds OR AMD camera for close-up images)
- Trained to complete clinical protocols and record a plan of care
- Able to schedule clinical virtual consultations
The virtal care program is not:
- Tele-health
- Walk-in service
- Prescription renewal for those without a family doctor or nurse practitioner
Hours are: Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.