Vancouver

Community Virtual Care (CVC) provides phone and video-based monitoring, education, and support for patients with chronic conditions, acute illness, recovery needs, or life-limiting illness. Programs are also available for caregivers of patients with the above. The CVC healthcare team includes Registered Nurses, Pharmacists, a Dietitian, Social Workers, and Diabetes Nurse Educators who support clients at home through easy-to-use technology. Care focuses on building clients’ self-management skills.

Programs and Services Offered

Chronic Disease Management Program provides support, coaching, and education via virtual monitoring equipment (provided at no cost) for people with:

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Heart Failure
• Hypertension
• Pre-diabetes or Type 2 Diabetes

Depending on the client’s medical condition, clinicians monitor biometric results and alerts; helps the client recognize when to seek higher levels of care; communicates concerns and progress to a primary care provider; and collaborates with other care team members. Clients do not have to have a primary care provider to participate.

Diabetes Education Classes are provided virtually for patients with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes, designed and delivered by Diabetes Nurse Educators. Classes are approximately one hour, interactive, and can be attended in any order. They include sessions on foot health, medications, nutrition, and more.

Acute Illness Support: is offered by remote patient monitoring and phone support for people with mild to moderate symptoms caused by the following conditions:

• COVID 19
• Influenza (flu)
• Heat-related illness
• Wildfire smoke exposure

Clients use monitoring equipment (provided) to assess their symptoms each day and are supported by a Registered Nurse.

Virtual Palliative Supportive Care is a 6-month early intervention program designed to help individuals live well at home. Registered Nurses provide support to manage symptoms, meet goals for care and cope with changing health needs. A comprehensive e-workbook is included to support this program.
Note: This program is not a replacement for hospitalization or doctor/nurse practitioner visits. Life threatening or significant symptoms still require the individual to seek medical attention from a doctor or nurse practitioner.

Caregiver Support Program uses virtual care technologies to support caregivers to set goals and build a personal plan focusing on optimizing emotional wellbeing and enhancing coping skills. The time-limited program includes three service streams:

• Brief one-to-one counselling,
• Group counselling, and/or
• Skill-building group

Supportive Discharge Program provides extra help after an individual leaves the hospital or emergency department. If needed, a program nurse will call the individual to ensure the care plan is clear and have everything required for it. Patients may be offered this program if they have:

• COPD
• Kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Heart failure
• High blood pressure
• Or are in the early stages of a serious illness

Eligibility

Patients may be eligible if they:

• Are 19 years or older, and
• Have care needs that can be supported safely at home through virtual monitoring and follow-up

Eligibility is assessed based on clinical appropriateness. CVC does not replace the primary care provider and supports patients to seek urgent medical care when needed. People living in long-term care and assisted living are welcome.

How to Access:

• Access starts through the Community Access Centres using a central intake and assessment process. Services are available to clients throughout Island Health regions.
• Public: Call the local Community Access Line (see locations below)
• Healthcare Practitioners: Please review the Physician Information section below.

Learn about other home and community care services provided by Island Health Community Health Services