Resources / Toolkits
The Virtual Health Research Group has created toolkits to help you have virtual health care appointments. Our toolkits have been tested by patient and caregiver advisors and are based on our research.
You can watch our videos here, and read or download our checklists and information guides.
Patient / Caregiver Toolkit
Videos:
How to prepare for a virtual health care appointment
Privacy and consent during your virtual health care appointment
Is virtual care right for my current medical condition?
Trousses d’outils Français:
Vidéos:
Comment se préparer pour un rendez-vous médical virtuel
Confidentialité et consentement lors de votre rendez-vous médical virtuel
Les soins virtuels sont-ils adaptés à mon état de santé?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – common questions about virtual health care
I’m not very comfortable using a computer – can I have a phone call instead?
You, the person you care for, and your healthcare provider should discuss the best way for all of you to have the appointment.
We would like to have a video call, but my computer doesn’t have a camera. What can we do?
You might be able to borrow a computer camera or a computer (e.g. a laptop or tablet) from a family member or friend. Some libraries and healthcare providers also lend out devices. If you do borrow a device, make sure that you clear your information before returning it (e.g. clear the history part of the internet browser).
How do I know that our information will be kept private and confidential?
The healthcare provider may talk to you about privacy and consent before the appointment. If they do not, ask them about privacy and consent. The patient’s consent is required if patient information is being shared with a caregiver. They should also let you know if there are any other people in the room with them, and will ask for your consent to go ahead with the appointment. Once the patient or you give consent, they will put this in the patient’s medical record.
What happens if there’s a problem during the appointment – for example, our call gets dropped or I have trouble with the internet?
If you are in the middle of the appointment and have technology issues, the healthcare provider may suggest switching to another technology – for example, having a phone call instead of a video call. If your phone call is accidentally dropped, wait for the healthcare provider to call you back.
What if a virtual health care appointment isn’t right for this appointment, or I don’t feel comfortable?
Talk to the healthcare provider about other options. They may be able to see you and the patient in person or refer you to someone else. Sometimes people feel uncomfortable with a virtual health care appointment at first, but become more comfortable over time, and enjoy the convenience. You may wish to try it once before deciding what works best.