Clinically Appropriate Use of Virtual Care – Guidance for Primary Care

This guidance and related tools are intended to help primary care clinicians and those planning and delivering virtual primary care to be purposeful and deliberate in their use of virtual care modalities. It may also be useful to those involved in coordinating the delivery of virtual care, such as medical office assistants.

These guidance documents are part of phase two of our guidance for clinicians on clinically appropriate use of virtual care.

Clinically Appropriate Use of Virtual Care in Primary Care – Guidance Reference Document (PDF)

Clinically Appropriate Use of Virtual Care in Primary Care – Target Audience, Concepts and Statements (PDF)

Virtual Care Information to Share with Patients

These information tools help patients receiving virtual primary care learn about their virtual care options. Each tool is available as a customizable Word document (instructions provided) and as an Ontario Health branded PDF.

About Virtual Care Options

This information for patients explains:

  • What virtual care is
  • Types of virtual care
  • Considerations for each option
  • How to discuss care options, if needed

Learning About Virtual Care Options for Patients (PDF)

Learning about Virtual Care Options for Patients – customizable version (Word)

Learning about Virtual Care Options for Patients – Additional Languages – Customizable version:

Virtual Care Appointment Checklist

This checklist will help patients assess which virtual care options are suited to their needs.

Checklist for Use of Virtual Care for Patients (PDF)

Checklist for Use of Virtual Care for Patients – customizable version (Word)

Checklist for Use of Virtual Care for Patients (Word)- Additional Languages – Customizable:

Virtual Care Checklist for Clinicians

This checklist will help clinicians to plan, assess and deliver virtual care.

Virtual Care Guidance Statements Checklist for Clinicians (PDF)

Virtual Care Guidance Statements Checklist for Clinicians- Additional Languages:

Customizing the Tools

Follow these step-by-step instructions to add logos and contact information to the customizable information tools.

How to Customize Information Tools (PDF)

 

 

This guidance was developed by Ontario Health with advice from a primary care expert panel.

Last Updated: October 13, 2023