We often see television shows or movies depicting our world in a futuristic setting; we see people in flying cars, automation, and industries powered by the strength of technology. We have grown to think, “One day, that will be us,” and that day is coming quickly.
Technology is growing faster than we could ever imagine, and we have recently seen significant advancements. There is no doubt that the world as we know it has changed significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Our world adapted and persevered through the pandemic, bringing new and more powerful technology.
New technologies bring with them the reality of facing a “New Normal.” One of these “New Normals” is the widespread use of our cellphones for joining video conferences for work and school. Virtual Healthcare takes advantage of the adoption of the advancements made in video conferencing. Much like getting food brought to your doorstep at the touch of a button, you can receive medical attention by contacting your online doctor with your personal device.
We know there is no replacing a physical visit with your doctor in certain circumstances, but many people end up spending a lot of time and resources seeing a doctor for an issue that can be seen and diagnosed remotely. The ability to video conference with an online doctor reduces the exhaustive backlogs of patients waiting to see a doctor for minor ailments. With the help of Virtual Healthcare, the patients seeking urgent attention can be seen quicker while reducing the strain on our local healthcare systems.
With the adoption of Virtual Healthcare, Manitoba rural communities are seeing the greatest impact. At QDoc, nearly three-quarters (70%) of the patient volume that our online doctors see has come from those that live in Manitoba rural communities who may not have gone to see a doctor for a minor issue, that could have turned into a much larger one. As the expression goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
The rapid adoption of Virtual Healthcare in these Manitoba communities proves that this is a healthcare option that bridges a gap that patients may have fallen through due to resources being difficult to access. Virtual healthcare reduces the need to travel long distances and further strain local wait times for certain mundane activities such as getting a prescription refill.
There is also an ever-growing need for physicians in rural areas, and virtual health helps to fill these gaps.
At QDoc our online doctors service Manitoba and surrounding communities in Northwestern Ontario and Nunavut. Our continuous goal is to expand to other provinces and help bridge those gaps too. Virtual Healthcare through QDoc has been a huge win for Manitoba’s healthcare industry, with 850 (and counting) five-star patient reviews. Our QDoctors are eager and excited to continue leading the way in virtual healthcare, while serving our population in Manitoba.
It is quite easy to think of the COVID-19 pandemic negatively. We should always remember the mistakes that were made along the way. However, in every trying time, there are those who try and find a way out of the darkness. Virtual Healthcare, along with the ever-growing advancements in technology, is most notably a brighter path amongst the dark.
