Virtual Care

P. 3 What is virtual healthcare? TELUS Health defines virtual care as any interaction between a patient and healthcare professional that occurs through communication technology, such as video visits, that enable a patient to consult a healthcare professional face-to-face and receive quality care from the comfort and safety of their home or office. Awareness of virtual healthcare. Not aware Not aware Aware Aware 72 % 20 % 28 % 80 % Awareness of virtual healthcare as part of the benefits package. What Canadians know about virtual care and who is using it. Most Canadians have heard of virtual care and what it is. According to research conducted by PMG Intelligence, 2 four in five respondents are aware of virtual healthcare services, while half have used a form of it. MD Analytics found that most Canadians define "virtual healthcare" accurately — that is, as virtual access to healthcare professionals. 3 This awareness and interest has increased since 2019, when 71% expressed interest in receiving virtual care as an employment benefit, but only 9% of employers offered it. 4 Respondents who are more likely to be aware of these services are female, have a health condition, have a primary care physician, currently have group benefits, and have group benefits that cover virtual care. 5 Moreover, 28% of Canadians with a benefits plan are aware that virtual care is included within it. 6 Lalonde finds that young working parents are particularly motivated to seek employers that provide the security of personalized benefits programs, and to familiarize themselves with the offerings. "They're really looking for something that applies not just to them as the employee, but to their family," she says.

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