Virtual First Emergency Medicine Visits: The Future of Convenient and Efficient Emergency Care

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased patient volumes, staff shortages, and limited resources in emergency departments, resulting in the rapid acceleration of telemedicine in emergency medicine. The virtual first (VF) program connects patients with emergency medicine clinicians via synchronous virtual video visits, reducing unnecessary emergency department visits and diverting patients to appropriate care settings. VF video visits can improve patient outcomes by providing early intervention for acute care needs and can enhance patient satisfaction by providing convenient, accessible, and personalized care. However, challenges include the lack of physical examination, clinician telehealth training and competencies, and the requirement for a robust telemedicine infrastructure. Additionally, digital health equity is important to ensure equitable access to care. Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of VF video visits in emergency medicine are substantial, and this study is a strong step in building the evidence base for these advancements.

Automated summary

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the use of telemedicine in emergency medicine due to increased patient volumes, staff shortages, and limited resources. The virtual first (VF) program connects patients with emergency medicine clinicians through virtual video visits, reducing unnecessary emergency department visits and redirecting patients to appropriate care settings. VF video visits can improve patient outcomes by providing early intervention for acute care needs and enhance patient satisfaction by offering convenient and personalized care. However, challenges include the lack of physical examination, clinician telehealth training, and the need for a robust telemedicine infrastructure. Digital health equity is also crucial for equitable access to care. Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of VF video visits in emergency medicine are significant, and this study is a strong step towards building evidence for these advancements.