Virtual care not a replacement for continuity

In Dr Nicholas Pimlott’s editorial in the January issue,¹ I believe the resolution that most clinical care can be delivered most efficiently virtually should not have been supported. Most clinical care can be delivered most efficiently via the telephone, not by audiovisual means. Virtual care should be an adjunct to in-person care. I am a firm believer that continuity of care does enhance clinical quality. Virtual care via audiovisual means, just like care via telephone, e-mail, texting, etc, is a technological tool that family physicians should use to improve access and communication with their patients, which will support continuity.

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