Virtual care has the potential to increase access to primary and specialist care for Canadians, particularly those in rural and remote communities. While the technology to deliver virtual care exists, many barriers remain to its widespread adoption — including payment models, licensure and quality standards, interoperability and governance, and education and training.
As part of a virtual care task force, the CMA, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and the College of Family Physicians of Canada are examining the regulatory and administrative changes needed to deliver care to patients virtually across provincial and territorial boundaries, with the aim of maximizing the quality and effectiveness of patient care.
Through our annual Health Summit, the CMA is driving the conversation on the role of technology in health care — from mobile health apps to big data to 3D printing — and providing resources for physicians to support the use of technology in their practice.
Physician Changemakers
CMA 2017 Physician Workforce Survey
of physicians enter or retrieve clinical patient notes electronically
CMA 2019 Physician Workforce Survey
of physicians see patients online by video
CMA 2019 Physician Workforce Survey
of physicians support a system of national licensure that would allow them to practise in all Canadian provinces and territories
2018 Ipsos survey for the CMA
of Canadians believe new technologies could solve existing issues in our health care system