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Virtual care communication can be synchronous (in real-time e.g., telephone, video) or asynchronous (time delay for communication e.g., messaging).
Only AHS approved virtual care platforms should be utilized when providing virtual care. These platforms have been fully evaluated and meet AHS Information Security & Privacy standards.
To learn more about virtual platforms or to inquire about new technologies for virtual care, contact virtualhealth.info@ahs.ca.
Note: You must have AHS Credentials to access some of these resources.
Video|Messaging|Telephone|MyAHS Connect|Digital Remote Patient Monitoring
Video can be used as a means of synchronous (occurring in real-time) virtual care communication between a patient/family (or their alternate decision-maker) and their care provider(s), between providers, teams, and clinical group sessions.
AHS Zoom is an enterprise (business) version of Zoom with encryption that meets AHS information security standards. AHS Zoom differs from the public version of Zoom.
Zoom is a cloud-based video conferencing software to support the delivery of virtual care. This easy-to-use platform is accessible on most computers and mobile devices and can facilitate visits between patient/families and providers when they cannot be in the same location. Zoom extends AHS’ ability to provide patients with access to care at home, rather than being limited to AHS facilities. Zoom can support virtual care interactions between patients/families and healthcare professionals by:
Zoom is integrated with MyAHS Connect and visits can be scheduled within Connect Care by health professionals who have access to Connect Care.
To access your AHS Zoom account:
Staff should always use their AHS Zoom Account when scheduling Zoom meetings for virtual clinical care. Personal health information (including personal health numbers) should not be collected using the Zoom registration feature.
For more AHS Zoom information and resources, refer to the Virtual Health Tools and Resources table on Insite.
Telehealth uses videoconference technology through one of the largest Telehealth networks in North America to deliver health-related services and information at a distance. Virtual visits using Telehealth require the patient and healthcare provider to attend from an AHS Telehealth-equipped or Health Canada approved facility with this specialized equipment.
To access Telehealth:
Messaging can be used as a means of asynchronous (not occurring in real-time) virtual care communication between healthcare providers or between a patient (or their alternate decision-maker) and their provider(s).
AHS approved Messaging platforms for virtual care communication include:
Please note: Text messaging is not a preferred method of communication for virtual care. As it is not secure on all platforms, no personal health information should be exchanged.
For more information and guidance using messaging for virtual care, please see Messaging Guidelines for Virtual Care.
Healthcare providers regularly utilize the telephone to provide patient care.
A virtual visit using the telephone is most suitable for established clinical relationships when an in-person visit is not needed and a verbal discussion can meet the patient’s needs. Telephone care is a well-recognized approach to support patient consultation, assessment, diagnosis and treatment, follow-up (including test results), education and counselling, where appropriate.
Consultations between healthcare providers, including multidisciplinary case conferences (where the patient and family may or may not be involved), are also easily supported using the telephone.
Becoming aware of a few best practices can help healthcare providers improve the effectiveness of providing virtual care using the telephone. More information and guidance on using the telephone for virtual care can be found within the Telephone Visits for Virtual Care document.
AHS approved Telephone platforms for virtual care communication include:
MyAHS Connect is the patient portal that offers patients personalized and secure online access to their Connect Care health record. MyAHS Connect can be accessed from a desktop computer or mobile device such as an iPad or smartphone. Together, patients and their health care team can use MyAHS Connect to prepare for upcoming clinic appointments and collaborate in their care.
MyAHS Connect is only available at facilities that have launched with Connect Care. As each Connect Care wave rolls out across the province, patients receiving care from the sites in that wave will have the opportunity to access MyAHS Connect.
Cloud Dx is currently undergoing feasibility evaluation and is not yet available outside of identified clinical programs. For more information, please contact virtualhealth.info@ahs.ca.
