Expanding Virtual Care in Canadian Forces Health Services Group

October 26, 2020 - Defence Stories
Author: Captain Leigh Pinard, National Patient Safety Officer, Directorate of Quality and Performance, Canadian Forces Health Services Group

Canadian Forces Health Services Group (CFHSG) is proud to participate in Canadian Patient Safety Week, taking place from October 26^th to 30^th, 2020. Along with the Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI), we’re encouraging every person in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to #ConquerSilence as part of the mission to improve patient safety.

Increased access to virtual care

This year’s Canadian Patient Safety Week theme is Virtual Care is New to Us. This is particularly timely in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, as CFHSG is actively using and expanding virtual care options to ensure that CAF members continue to have access to the best care possible. “The dispersed posture we have been forced to adopt since the beginning of the pandemic has required CFHSG to rapidly learn to incorporate different means of communication into how we work with CAF members to improve their health”, says MGen Marc Bilodeau, CAF Surgeon General. “This expanded virtual care capability is here to stay: let’s capitalize on this opportunity to improve the overall quality and safety of health care in the CAF.”

As increased capability is rolled out, members across the country will have access to virtual means of care, including video, email and telephone appointments as potential options. There are several benefits to virtual care including convenience, flexible schedules, less time away from work, no requirement to travel and no risk of potential exposure. Select CAF members who have participated in virtual care will be receiving an email in the coming weeks to provide feedback on their experience and to share suggestions for improvement.

Making the most of virtual appointments

The Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI) encourages patients to ask questions and to have a support person with them during their appointment. Healthcare providers and patients are encouraged to visit the CPSI’s Conquer Silence web page for more tips and tools on how to make the most of virtual care appointments.

Creating a safer healthcare system by improving patient safety

This year’s campaign encourages CFHSG personnel, CAF members and their families to ask questions, listen to the answers, and talk about concerns and ways to improve patient safety. We invite you to join us in creating a safer healthcare system for all CAF members by bringing awareness to the importance of patient safety. Everyone’s involvement helps to make our healthcare system safer.

CFHSG has Patient Safety Officers in place at CAF clinics across the country. Patient Safety Officers work with the Quality and Patient Safety program to support and advance patient safety where care is delivered. To share your ideas for improving patient safety or to obtain information on the Canadian Patient Safety Week 2020 campaign, contact the Patient Safety Officer at your local CAF Health Services Centre, or the Quality and Patient Safety program by email.

Related Links

• Canadian Patient Safety Week CANFORGEN (only accessible on the National Defence network, also available on the CAF app)
• Canadian Patient Safety Institute