Real-Time Virtual Support (RTVS) pathways have won a 2023 BC Quality Award.
The virtual care pathways, that include both patient-facing and provider-facing supports, have been chosen as a Strengthening Health and Wellness winner for the 2023 awards presented by the BC Patient Safety and Quality Council.
Both the Rural Coordination Centre of BC (RCCbc), which operates the peer support pathways for rural providers, and the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), which operates the First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day and First Nations Substance Use and Psychiatry Service, were named on the award. The peer supports include RUDi (Emergency), MaBAL (Maternity) and CHARLiE (Pediatrics) pathways. The programs are funded by the Ministry of Health and the Joint Standing Committee on Rural Affairs.
Our team has proven that with partnership-building and trust, alongside thoughtful integration of technology, it is possible to improve care for communities that have historically had many barriers to accessing care.
Dr. John Pawlovich
Dr. John Pawlovich, the virtual health lead with RCCbc, said the team was proud of the achievement. “Since launching nearly three years ago, in April 2020, RTVS has done ground-breaking work,” said Dr. Pawlovich. “Our team has proven that with partnership-building and trust, alongside thoughtful integration of technology, it is possible to improve care for communities that have historically had many barriers to accessing care.
“We have also seen that accessible, friendly clinical support has been a game-changer for rural healthcare providers because it helps increase their confidence and reduce feelings of isolation.
“While we are honoured that we are being recognized, it has definitely been a team effort, so our gratitude goes out to everyone who makes this work possible.”
To find out more about the peer support pathways visit the Rural Coordination Centre of BC website.
To find out more about the patient-facing pathways, visit the First Nations Health Authority website.
The province-wide HealthLink BC Emergency iDoctor-in-assistance (HEIDi) service, connected with Healthlink BC, and the COVID Anti-viral Treatment eTeam (CATe) are two more patient-facing pathways that are part of RTVS. HEiDI connects people to an RTVS physician when they call 811. CATe is a service that has assisted providers and their patients in obtaining antiviral treatments.