.jpg)
Alberta Health Services (AHS) is launching a pilot project to improve support for emergency department (ED) patients in four northern rural communities.
The new Virtual Emergency Physician program will use an experienced rural/northern ED physician to remotely support facilities temporarily without available on-site ED physician support. In these instances, site clinical staff can connect with an AHS physician by telephone or videoconference for ED patients with non-life threatening issues. This off-site virtual physician will collaborate with local staff, speak with patients, order tests and medications, and transfer or discharge patients.
Similar models are currently being used in B.C., Saskatchewan and Ontario, where this approach has proven to be safe, reliable and effective in ensuring low-acuity patients receive the support they need when they need it. EMS remains available to transfer high-acuity patients to a facility with in-person ED physician support.
AHS continues to actively recruit physicians to supply in-person emergency department support. This initiative will not impact those continued efforts in the pilot communities. On-site physician coverage remains AHS’ priority.
This service model is being piloted at the Beaverlodge Municipal Hospital, Elk Point Healthcare Centre, Hinton Healthcare Centre, and the William J. Cadzow – Lac La Biche Healthcare Centre.
The Virtual Emergency Physician program will be available to the four pilot sites starting Jan. 20, 2025. If there is a service disruption and there is no emergency physician on-site, it will be noted in the communications if a virtual emergency physician may be available
AHS’ Medical Affairs team is currently recruiting North Zone ED physicians to work as virtual physicians for the four pilot sites as needed.
Information provided by Alberta Health Services