The acceleration of virtual care is a silver lining of the pandemic that has lowered costs and expanded access to care. Although barriers still exist, virtual care should continue to be expanded. Canada faces significant challenges in implementing and using digital health systems due to variations in digital standards, inconsistent application of privacy frameworks and a lack of high-speed internet for all.
New virtual care delivery methods have enabled timely access to health assessment and treatment in rural and remote communities. Virtual care represents an opportunity to reach people across Canada who face difficulty accessing health services.
A pan-Canadian vision and a responsive governance approach is needed to drive continued alignment among governments and stakeholders. CNA recommends the development of a federal digital health strategy that would treat virtual care as a core component of Canada’s health-care system, ensure equity and cultural safety, and address gaps in digital literacy for patients and providers.
CNA resources
2020 National Survey of Canadian Nurses: Use of Digital Health Technology in Practice: In a joint collaboration between the Canadian Nurses Association, Canadian Nursing Informatics Association and Canada Health Infoway, this report provides the results a survey on Canadian nurses’ access to and use of digital health in nursing practice.
Nursing Informatics position statement by CNA and the Canadian Nursing Informatics Association. More on nursing informatics.
Advocacy
News releases