Introduction

In an age defined by technological advancements, Courtney Lindsay, a dedicated nurse practitioner (NP) at the University Health Network (UHN), has stepped into the future of medicine—delivering health care via a computer screen. While she never anticipated her career would blend nursing with technology, her involvement in both UHN's online and in-person Emergency Department (ED) has allowed her to adapt seamlessly to this new mode of patient interaction.

“It was quite a change,” Courtney remarks. “As an emergency provider, I’ve always been accustomed to face-to-face interactions with my patients.” Now, she conducts virtual consultations twice a week, addressing urgent yet non-life-threatening conditions ranging from sprains and skin rashes to eye infections and flu symptoms.

Centralization of Virtual ED

One standout feature of UHN's virtual ED is its centralization, enabling patients to receive specialized care from professionals who are already familiar with their medical history. This approach significantly enhances patient management, particularly for complex conditions that might pose challenges in peripheral emergency departments or independent clinics.

Expertise of UHN Emergency Providers

Courtney emphasizes the depth of expertise UHN emergency providers bring to their practice. “Our specialized knowledge allows us to better cater to the unique needs of our patient populations,” she explains. As NPs at UHN, they are endowed with similar assessment, treatment, and diagnostic competencies as physicians, empowering them to deliver swift and efficacious medical attention, whether addressing common complaints or more complicated cases.

Celebrating Nurse Practitioner Week

This week, Canada observes Nurse Practitioner Week (November 10 to 16), honoring the vital role NPs play in alleviating the pressures caused by the primary care shortage. UHN is home to around 160 NPs across its five hospitals, delivering comprehensive services such as patient assessment, diagnostic test interpretation, illness diagnosis, treatment plan development, and referrals.

Advancing UHN's Vision

According to Tara Bolden, Nurse Practitioner Lead at UHN, investing in nurse practitioners is crucial to advancing UHN’s vision of building A Healthier World. “Our dedication to discovering innovative solutions to enhance access and reduce wait times in emergency departments is at the forefront of our priorities,” she states.

Empowering Nurse Practitioners

Tara emphasizes the continuous investment in NPs, as UHN seeks to empower them to operate at their fullest capacities, contributing to patient care, research, education, and leadership. “NPs are essential to this mission; their holistic approach to health goes beyond treating a single pathology,” she asserts, highlighting the importance of considering various factors affecting a patient's overall health.

The Birth of Toronto's Virtual Emergency Department

Toronto’s Virtual Emergency Department—comprised of UHN and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre—was born out of necessity during the pandemic and has become a cornerstone of urgent care. Initially physician-led, the program received additional funding in 2023 from the Ontario Ministry of Health to expand NP involvement, transforming the landscape of virtual healthcare.

Collaboration and Independence in Care

Notably, NPs play an integrative role, working collaboratively with physicians and healthcare teams to ensure comprehensive care that emphasizes health promotion and disease prevention. However, operating within a virtual environment necessitates independence and deft decision-making, as only one NP is present at any time.

Highlights of the NP Role

Courtney lists the autonomy and unique experiences as some of the highlights of her role. “It’s fascinating to adapt to this NP-led structure, creating procedures for patient management, preparing resources for new NPs, and establishing follow-up pathways. Even in a virtual setting, we maintain high care standards,” she shares.

Passion for Emergency Medicine

What keeps Courtney passionately engaged in emergency medicine—whether in-person or virtual—is the hands-on practice that allows her to utilize her skills and care for a diverse array of patients. “The most gratifying aspect has been creatively finding ways to deliver care, especially to those with limited access to primary healthcare,” she explains.

Conclusion

“Being part of an NP-led virtual ED, driving innovative urgent care solutions beyond the hospital walls, is something I take immense pride in,” she concludes.

With NPs like Courtney Lindsey at the helm, the future of patient care looks not only innovative but also profoundly impactful.