1-800-267-3390Virtual care has quickly become integrated as a healthcare delivery model in Canada. While virtual care has generally been viewed as complementary to in-person care, there are a growing number of highly specialized virtual care services, which often include services that are provided asynchronously.
When services are provided asynchronously, patients and care providers generally communicate remotely and not at the same time. Patients provide health information online to healthcare providers, often by completing web-based intake questionnaires, which are then forwarded to the providers for review at a later time. Based on this information, healthcare providers, including nurse practitioners (NPs) and RN prescribers, may provide a diagnosis and treatment plan, order tests, or prescribe medication – often without the benefit of a telephone or video appointment with the patient.
Some organizations have implemented a form of asynchronous care to offer treatment for a variety of conditions, including hair loss, acne, erectile dysfunction, ADHD, as well treatments aimed at achieving weight loss, STI testing, prevention and treatment, and birth control, among others. These services are sometimes marketed as not requiring direct contact between the patient and the care provider at any step of the process.
While asynchronous care aims to provide more flexibility and ease of access to care for patients, this form of healthcare delivery carries additional risks related to patient safety and the ability of the provider to meet their professional standards. This infoLAW seeks to provide an overview of general risk and practice considerations for nurse practitioners and RN prescribers to consider before engaging in the provision of asynchronous care.
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Asynchronous Virtual Care
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