Real-Time Virtual Support connects rural and remote providers to expert advice when they need it most.
A RUDi provider supports a physician and patient in Takla Landing. Photo courtesy RCCbc.
For health care providers working in rural and isolated First Nations communities, including FNHA’s remote nursing stations (8), professional isolation can be one of the biggest challenges of practice. Urgent clinical questions and presentations can arise at any time of the day, and access to a specialist may be hours, sometimes even days away, and providers often need to make complex decisions without the support networks available in larger urban centres.
The Rural Coordination Centre of BC’s Real-Time Virtual Support (RTVS) program helps bridge that gap. Through immediate access to peer support and specialist advice by phone or Zoom, RTVS connects rural health care providers with experienced clinicians who can provide guidance when it matters most.
As of July 1, providers once again have around-the-clock access to the Pediatricians via CHARLiE (Child Health Advice in ReaL-time Electronically) and Obstetricians-Gynecologists via MaBAL (Maternity and Babies Advice Line) pathways.
Whether responding to an emergency, seeking a second opinion or coordinating patient care and transportation, health care providers can access expertise in emergency medicine, health system navigation, point-of-care ultrasound, pediatrics, maternity care, critical care, internal medicine and other specialties. The service supports physicians, residents, nurse practitioners, nurses, midwives and in some cases, first responders.
Recent findings show RTVS is strengthening health care delivery in First Nations, rural and remote communities by improving access to clinical expertise and helping build a stronger virtual support network for providers. By reducing professional isolation and expanding access to specialist knowledge, RTVS is helping support high-quality, equitable care closer to home for First Nations across BC.
Connecting with on-call RTVS
There are five Instant Access pathways that are specifically designed for supporting care in a rural context. You can find the contact information in the links below.
Available 24/7:
Available 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. PST
Available at select sites:
Additional pathways:
- 10 RTVS Quick Reply peer pathways that are available weekdays during business hours.
- The Consultation to Conversation service facilitates three-way video conversations between rural patients, primary care providers and specialists.
For health care providers serving rural, remote and First Nations communities, RTVS strengthens access to expert clinical support and improves the delivery of quality, equitable care across BC. Learn more about the RTVS program here.
