Team-Based Virtual Care

Team-Based Virtual Care: Striving for Seamless Inclusive Care

About

Virtual care facilitates patients’ and families’ inclusiveness in care planning, which improves the transition experience. This Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)-funded program adopts a Patient-Oriented Research (POR) and Integrated Knowledge Translation (IKT) approach via the diverse engagement of older adults, families, staff and policy-makers in all stages of the research.

This study aims to generate evidence to inform policy development for virtual team-based care planning of care transitions. It also empowers a marginalized population to be co-partners in driving health policy priorities, elevating their voices, and advancing equity.

Introduction

  • Smooth transition from acute to long-term care (LTC) is essential for the wellbeing of patients, but the process has it’s challenges which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic

  • Virtual team-based care is a promising approach to aid in facilitating transitions to LTC for older adults as it provides flexibility and is adaptable to various circumstances.

    • Objective



    This study explores the experience of users engaging in virtual team-based care to assess the benefits and challenges of existing practices and propose recommendations for improvements.

    METHODS

  • This study utilized Patient-Oriented Research and Integrated Knowledge Translation approaches

  • Purposive sampling resulted in the recruitment of 52 participants for individual semi-structured interviews and focus groups

  • Constant comparative qualitative data analysis was used to identify themes and patterns across the data, specifically focusing on barriers to effective virtual care planning

    • Results

  • Technical challenges, access inequities persist and internet connectivity issues

  • Inconsistent scheduling and collaboration

  • Limited accuracy of virtual translators causes concerns for families and patients

  • Fragmented and obsolete technology guidelines and policies

  • Patient experiences and privacy concerns diverge due to unfamiliarity with technology or privacy issues


    • Principal Investigator: Dr. Lillian Hung

    Project Lead: Ian Chan. Please contact Ian Chan at dchancp1@mail.ubc.ca if you have any questions/interest.

    The Team

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    Partners