Why choose Telehealth?
Telehealth means that patients do not have to travel long distances to see a care provider in person; they can meet without leaving their home communities. This will reduce the time, cost and stress of traveling. Telehealth may be a good choice for many patients and their families across the Vancouver Island Health Authority.
What happens in a Telehealth session?
Patients receive all of the assistance they need before, during and after a Telehealth consultation. During a session, the following will typically occur:
- The patient will be asked to go to the nearest Telehealth site.
- They will register at the admitting desk and be directed to the Telehealth room where the videoconferencing equipment is located.
- Once linked, the patient will be able to see and talk to a care provider, who will be carrying out the consultation from a remote location.
- The care provider will speak with the patient and ask questions in exactly the same way as a consultation in person.
- Patients will not be expected to operate any equipment by themselves.
If a physical examination is required, a Telehealth nurse will be present. Patients are also welcome to bring family members into the Telehealth consultation.
If a patient feels uncomfortable, can they still see a care provider in person?
Yes, the choice to participate in a Telehealth consultation is always yours. Patients may choose to participate in a Telehealth session or they can choose to travel to have face-to-face care. Patients can also end a Telehealth session during a consultation if they are not comfortable with the process and reschedule the appointment with their provider.
What about privacy and security?
Everyone associated with VIHA is accountable to promote the privacy of patients, residents, clients and staff member’s personal information entrusted to us:
- legally under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act,
- organizationally under VIHA's Confidentiality Policies and
- ethically under the respective professional Codes of Ethics
For more information, please Contact Us.