Guidelines and Consent for Virtual Care

In addition to in person appointments, the RAAM clinic is offering appointments by telephone or by using the HSN Digital Front Door (DFD) video-conferencing platform.

Prior to accessing virtual services, it is important to understand the following information:

Limits of Confidentiality

Everything you share with us is confidential except under the following circumstances:

1. When there is significant, imminent risk of serious bodily harm (physical or psychological) to you or anyone else (suicide, homicide, impaired driving).

2. When there are reasonable grounds to suspect that a child under the age of 18yrs old is experiencing (or at risk of) physical harm, neglect or sexual abuse.

3. Where necessary for legal proceedings (by subpoena).

4. When there are reasonable grounds to suspect that a person living in a retirement or long-term care facility is being abused or neglected.

5. If you disclose sexual abuse by a regulated health professional.

Circle of Care –Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA)

• Ontario legislation allows us to share information within your Circle of Care. Your Circle of Care includes professionals & programs involved in your care.
• People who are not in your Circle of Care require your consent before they ask anything about you or your care. This includes the following:
  • Child Protection Services
  • Lawyers, probation/parole officers
  • Employers, friends

Electronic Documentation

• Health Sciences North (HSN) uses electronic patient files in addition to the utilization of AI software for the purpose of transcription during patient assessment.
• Only staff working directly with you should be accessing your file.
• Your primary care provider can access your file.
• HSN has a privacy department should you have questions about your file.

Guidelines for Virtual Care

Patients must follow the guidelines below in order to access virtual services with the RAAM clinic.

1. You must be in the city of Greater Sudbury catchment area to access virtual services.

2. You will be required to provide your address and specific location. If we become aware of any risks to your safety or the safety of someone else at any time during your appointment, we will cancel the virtual visit and may recommend that you present to the Crisis Intervention Program or Emergency Department. If needed, your care team may need to contact EMS and/or police and request a wellness check on your behalf.

3. Consuming substances during any virtual appointment is not permitted.

4. Driving is not permitted during any virtual appointments. You must be stationed in an accessible location (e.g. not on a highway).

5. If accessing services through video, it is recommended that a secure internet connection be used rather than public/free Wi-Fi. You should be in a private space, free of distractions where others cannot overhear you or your care team.

6. No recording devices (audio and/or video) will be used without the expressed agreement and consent of all parties.

7. If you are unable to follow the guidelines listed above, your care team may terminate the visit and determine that virtual services are not appropriate for you. We may recommend that you come in person for your appointments, provide alternate options for treatment and/or formal discharge.

Risks and Benefits of Virtual Services

Some Potential Benefits of Virtual Services may include but are not limited to:

• Convenience & Cost: Services are accessible in your own space with no fees attached.
• Mental health: If you struggle with your mental health, services can be accessed in the comfort of your own space.
• Privacy: There is limited interaction with others as opposed to coming to our downtown location.

Some Potential Risks of Virtual Services:

• Confidentiality: Less private and secure than in office appointments
• Technology failure: Potential for difficulty with device and/or internet connectivity
• Accessibility: Not all treatments and/or investigations can be provided virtually
• Safety: Decreased ability to manage challenging situations (e.g. medical emergencies)

CONSENT STATEMENT

By providing my consent, I acknowledge that I have reviewed the guidelines for accessing virtual services. I acknowledge that I understand the risks and benefits of virtual services am aware that I can withdraw my consent at any time. I acknowledge that I have read and understand the limits of confidentiality and its implications. I acknowledge that I understand the information pertaining to circle of care and electronic documentation.