The Consultation to Conversation (C2C) 2.0 model aims to increase equity of access to care for rural, remote, and Indigenous citizens across British Columbia. The model supports three-way video enabled calls between a patient, primary care provider and a specialist/specialized service provider.
Specialists available for C2C appointments
- Cardiology—available only for clinics in Northern Health
- Internal Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Psychiatry—Diagnostic assessment for adult ADHD only (including comorbidity with depression, anxiety, and/or PTSD)
- Rheumatology
A different approach to specialist care
Across our province, rural patients must travel from their home community to central locations to access specialists and/or specialized service care. This typically involves taking time off work and making travel arrangements that are not only costly to the patient but also risky during times of the year when geography is vast and weather conditions are poor. By critically thinking about how we can use current technology to support a change in culture, we can work towards increasing the equity of access to care for rural community members and help keep them within their home communities. The C2C 2.0 model does this by supporting real-time conversations between primary care providers, specialists/specialized service providers and patients where appropriate.
The intent is to wrap supports around patients closer to home, including those with chronic illness, complex medical needs and frailty. By wrapping around patients, the team works together to collaborate on a care plan, streamline communication and decrease gaps to enrich patient-centered care. The virtual care model also supports avoiding unnecessary travel.
Do you have a patient that would benefit from taking part in a C2C appointment?
If you are a Primary Care Provider/Nurse Practitioner looking to set up an appointment, contact our virtual Medical Office Assistant (vMOA) Karen Shepherd at kshepherd@rtvs-bc.ca.
Do you have a specialty that would fit into this service?
If you are a Specialist who is interested in taking part in our program, contact our Senior Project Coordinator Erika Pritchard at epritchard@rccbc.ca.
Testimonials
“My doctor can help interpret and work with the specialist, there is no delay between doctors and we all know the plan right away.”
“We have little or no access to this level of care …. of course it is wonderful to be in person but absolutely way better than not having the compassionate and supportive care provided in this way.”
“Having the regular provider present made it way more comfortable and easier to navigate.”
“Highest impact visit possible. Avoided travel and saved an immense amount of time for the patient and myself.”
“I was able to be confident in my management plan and discharged the patient home with confidence.”
“These [3-way] conversation consults are so helpful and accessible—and make a huge difference for the patients.”
“It was helpful to co-create the management plan together with the patient and the family doctor.”
