Virtual platform aims to provide quicker access to New Brunswick health care

New Brunswick is implementing a new virtual care platform, Virtual Care NB, in an effort to enhance access to timely healthcare for its residents. This initiative aims to provide quicker non-emergency medical attention while simultaneously alleviating pressure on the province's healthcare system.

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(We) are very encouraged by the fact that there is now triage at the start of your consult, where a system is actually evaluating what you’re calling for, what your symptoms are, what type of care are you actually looking for.

The new platform replaces the previous system and employs a triage process. Patients are guided through a series of questions to determine the best course of care, which could range from a virtual appointment to consulting a pharmacist, accessing mental health services, or, if necessary, being directed to the emergency department.

Dr. Carl Boucher, president of the New Brunswick Medical Society, expressed encouragement regarding the system's ability to evaluate patient needs at the outset. He hopes this approach will cater to specific patient requirements and reduce the strain on an already stretched healthcare system. The platform is accessible via MyHealthNB, the Virtual Care NB website, or by calling 811.

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Virtual care is essential in our province but it will never replace a proper longitudinal relationship between a primary caregiver, such as a family doctor, and the patient.

Despite the benefits of virtual care, Dr. Boucher stressed its limitations, stating, "Virtual care is essential in our province but it will never replace a proper longitudinal relationship between a primary caregiver, such as a family doctor, and the patient." He acknowledged that virtual options can remove barriers like financial constraints or travel difficulties for some patients, but cautioned that these services should be approached with a degree of discernment.

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Some patients would not come to the office because of financial reasons or travel reason or it’s too far. So, it opens a lot of doors but needs to be taken with a grain of salt.