Introduction: Addressing challenges in access to specialty care, particularly long wait times and geographic disparities, is a pressing issue in the Canadian healthcare system. This study aimed to evaluate the impact and feasibility of provider-to-provider phone consultations between primary care providers (PCPs) and specialists using a novel virtual care platform in Nova Scotia (Virtual Hallway).
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey over 5 months, involving 211 PCPs and 34 specialists across Nova Scotia. The survey assessed the need for formal in-person referrals as well as clinician satisfaction. Statistical methods included descriptive statistics and the one-sample t-test.
Results: We found that 84% of provider-to-provider phone consultations negated the need for an in-person specialist referral. It was also reported that 90% of patients that did require in-person consultation had enhanced care while they awaited an in-person appointment with a specialist. Very high levels of satisfaction were reported among both PCPs and specialists, and there was a noticeable increase in billing volumes related to these consultations as measured by provincial billing codes.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that provider-to-provider phone consultations are feasible, well-accepted and also effective in reducing the need for in-person specialist visits. This approach offers a promising avenue for alleviating waitlist burdens, enhancing the quality of care, and improving the overall efficiency of healthcare delivery.
Keywords: Hallway medicine; digital healthcare; eConsult; healthcare solution; healthcare technologies; peer to peer communications; synchronous communication technology; virtual care solutions.
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