Title: Preparing for a Virtual Care Placement
Course: COVID CURRICULUM (Export) > Section: Module 5 : Privacy, Security and Confidentiality in Virtual Care

Virtual Care is when one or more health care professionals delivers healthcare services to a patient using:

  - Videoconferencing
  - Secure messaging
  - Audio-digital tools
  - Telephone

Please note that each Faculty/Department will have different opportunities to participate in virtual care. Additional profession-specific/site-specific training will be provided.

Some tips on preparing for a virtual care placement

Checklist to complete before placement or early in the placement
- Understanding your professional and legal obligations
  - Be aware of your College’s guidelines on virtual care
  - Compliance with PHIPA
- Comply with privacy and security requirements
  - DEVICE
    - Password protect your device
      - Ensure device locks when idle
      - Lock device if you walk away
    - Keep device up to date
  - APPLICATIONS
    - Only use equipment and apps approved by your placement organization
    - Encrypt documents with patient information
    - Don’t share passwords
    - Don’t auto remember passwords
- Discuss with your preceptor, supervisor or clinical instructor
  - Privacy, Security and Confidentiality policies of your placement site
  - Technical supports
  - Will you have an organization-specific email?
  - Will you use your own computer/device or an organization device?
  - What apps will you be using?
  - EMR access

Adapted from Ontario Health Quality (2020)