Real-Time Virtual Support: a network of virtual care for rural, remote, First Nations, and pan-provincial communities in British Columbia – CMAJ

July 28, 2025

Key points

In British Columbia, a partnership led by the Rural Coordination Centre of British Columbia, the First Nations Health Authority, the BC Ministry of Health, and the University of British Columbia’s Digital Emergency Medicine Unit built a network of virtual care services to enhance access and advance equity for rural, remote, First Nations, and pan-provincial communities.
The Real-Time Virtual Support network includes patient-facing services, as well as decision supports for health professionals in communities.
These services and partnerships have improved access to primary, emergency, and specialized care, and have improved the retention and support of rural practitioners.