Alberta Health Services is launching a pilot project that aims to support emergency department patients in Beaverlodge.
The new Virtual Emergency Physician program will use an experienced rural ED physician to support facilities that are temporarily without on-site doctors remotely. Officials say in these instances, clinical staff on-site can connect with an AHS physician by phone or video for ED patients with non-life-threatening issues.
Off-site physicians will collaborate with local staff, speak with patients, order tests and medications, and transfer or discharge patients.
Similar models are already being used in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Ontario, and are already seeing success. AHS says the method has proven to be safe, reliable, and effective in ensuring patients receive the support they need when they need it.
AHS North Zone Medical Director Dr. Jane Ojedokun says most emergency department disruptions occur during off-hours, so many of the cases often do not require immediate physician response.
“Generally, many of our emergency department service disruptions occur overnight when the number of patients is lower, and the injuries or illnesses are not as acute and can be easily handled with on-site nursing care and a virtual physician,” she says.
AHS maintains that recruiting efforts are underway to supply in-person emergency department support, and this initiative will “not impact” those efforts in pilot communities.
“On-site physician coverage remains AHS’ priority,” the health authority said in a release.
The new initiative is being piloted at the Beaverlodge Municipal Hospital, Elk Point Healthcare Centre, Hinton Healthcare Centre, and the William J. Cadzow – Lac La Biche Healthcare Centre.
The Virtual Emergency Physician program will be available at the four pilot sites beginning on January 20th.
