Real-Time Virtual Support
Real-Time Virtual Support (RTVS) peer pathways are for physicians, residents, nurse practitioners, nurses, midwives—and, in some cases, first responders—in rural, remote, and First Nations communities in BC. Calling RTVS is like calling a friend. We are here for you when you need free and friendly clinical support at the click of a button.
RTVS has been a huge benefit to my practice and to patient care. The physicians we consult teach and work in a collaborative way making the consults effective and positive experiences. Our assessment skills are valued and utilized daily. I can’t say enough good things about RTVS.
Rural Physician
About RTVS Peer Pathways
Rural providers in BC can connect with on-call RTVS peer pathway providers over Zoom or over the phone for clinical help. Our Instant Access pathways are staffed by friendly, compassionate physicians who understand the rural context. Our three 24/7 Instant Access pathways are RUDi (Emergency), MaBAL (Maternity & Newborns) and CHARLiE (Pediatrics). Our Critical Care and Internal Medicine pathway (ROCCi) is also Instant Access and available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Pacific Time seven days of the week. We also have eight RTVS Quick Reply peer pathways that are available weekdays during business hours.
RTVS virtual providers are eager to help with both urgent and non-urgent cases and questions, including:
- case consultations;
- second opinions;
- ongoing patient support;
- patient simulation scenarios;
- help navigating the healthcare system;
- coordinating patient transport;
- point-of-care ultrasound.
Calling an RTVS virtual provider is like calling a friend. They offer friendly, compassionate, non-judgmental, and culturally safe support while understanding the context of providing care in rural places.
Benefits of RTVS
RTVS peer pathways help ensure that rural healthcare providers are properly supported and rural patients receive more equitable access to healthcare. More specifically, RTVS pathways:
- Establish collegial relationships between RTVS virtual providers and rural healthcare providers to facilitate team-based patient care and build a stronger community of practice.
- Increase confidence, and reduce isolation, of healthcare providers who provide patient care in rural, remote, and First Nations communities in British Columbia.
- Increase mentoring and educational opportunities for rural healthcare providers—especially new-to-practice physician residents.
- Improve the recruitment and retention of rural healthcare providers.
- Increase availability and access to timely, quality healthcare services for patients in rural, remote, and First Nations communities, reducing their risk, time, and expense traveling for medical appointments.
- Offer a cost-effective and sustainable model for British Columbia’s health system needs.
RTVS Partners
RTVS exists thanks to a strong commitment from all partners to use virtual technology to enhance provider wellness and patient care. In addition to the Rural Coordination Centre of BC, the RTVS family includes:
- BC Ministry of Health
- Emergency Care BC
- UBC Digital Emergency Medicine
- UBC RCPD
- Providence Healthcare
- First Nations Health Authority
- Provincial Health Services Authority
- Northern Health
- Interior Health
- Island Health
- Vancouver-Coastal Health
Three ways to connect
Team Involved
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