Will virtual doctor appointments continue when the COVID-19 pandemic is over?
At the height of the pandemic, doctors were told to shift their approach to virtual care, performing basic appointments over the phone or in a video call. There were glitches and delays—but two years later and many offices have incorporated the tool into their practices.
And according to a survey released in the summer of 2021, virtual care may be here to stay.
About 70 per cent of doctors who participated in a Canadian Medical Association survey said they were doing virtual appointments and were satisfied with the results.
However, while some physicians have said that virtual care allows for more accessible routine appointments, others have acknowledged that a phone call may not be enough for some patients. In October of last year, Ontario’s top health officials wrote a letter urging doctors to start seeing patients in-person again.
In this week’s episode of Life Unmasked, the team speaks with Dr. Adam Kassam, the president of the Ontario Medical Association, to find out how physicians were able to make the transition to virtual care, what it is best used for and what the challenges could be in the future.
The team also speaks with Daniel Warner, the CEO and co-founder of KixCare, a company that launched last summer and tailored its approach to pediatric healthcare.
Life Unmasked airs first on the iHeart app every Tuesday morning before becoming available on other streaming platforms. If you have questions for the podcast team, or an idea for an episode, please email lifeunmasked@bellmedia.ca.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Independent stores and grocery alternatives see sales boost amid Loblaw boycott
As the month-long boycott of Loblaw-owned stores wears on, small independent food retailers and alternative grocery options say they're seeing a boost in traffic and sales.
Cannabis legalization coincided with uptick in ER visits from seniors: study
A new study has linked the legalization of cannabis with a rise in the number of Ontario seniors visiting emergency rooms.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.
Microsoft's AI chatbot will 'recall' everything you do on a PC
Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you're doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
McGill says pro-Palestinian protest outside senior administrator's home 'crosses the line'
McGill University has denounced a pro-Palestinian protest held Sunday outside the home of one of its senior administrators.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.