CNO has released the new Virtual Care practice guideline. Increasingly, nurses are using virtual technologies to supplement in-person care, conduct consultations, deliver education, transmit information over geographical distances and deliver care remotely. This new document, available in English and French, highlights considerations that are important when nurses provide virtual care to patients. Virtual Care replaces the previous Telepractice fact sheet.
CNO defines virtual care as the delivery, management and coordination of health services offering patient-centred care using electronic information and digital telecommunication technologies. Virtual care can use a variety of technological platforms, such as telephone, email, text or instant messaging, artificial intelligence (AI) tools, video or audio conferencing, fax and internet.
The guideline includes considerations for nurses when providing virtual care. These include:
- nursing competence
- collaborating with patients
- informed consent
- maintaining privacy, confidentiality and security
- advocating for environmental supports, resources and policies
- working effectively with the health care team
Regardless of how care is provided, in person or virtually, all nurses have an accountability to provide inclusive and culturally safe care. The guideline includes considerations that recognize the value and importance of virtual care particularly for those who live in remote, isolated or underserved communities across Ontario. CNO’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy highlights unique considerations to help nurses reflect on key realities when working with diverse communities, Indigenous Peoples and equity-deserving groups.
Read the Virtual Care practice guideline.