Implementing a Virtual Emergency Department: Qualitative Study Using the Normalization Process Theory.

ABSTRACT:

Background

COVID-19 necessitated the rapid implementation and uptake of virtual health care; however, virtual care's potential role remains unclear in the urgent care setting. In December 2020, the first virtual emergency department (ED) in the Greater Toronto Area was piloted at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre by connecting patients to emergency physicians through an online portal.

Objective

This study aims to understand whether and how ED physicians were able to integrate a virtual ED alongside in-person operations.

Methods

We conducted semistructured interviews with ED physicians guided by the Normalization Process Theory (NPT). The NPT provides a framework to understand how individuals and teams navigate the process of embedding new models of care as part of nor

SUBMITTER: Shuldiner J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9513685 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature