Models of care toolkit
About this section
This section provides general information on how cancer programs can support the delivery of equitable care by capitalizing on digital innovations and navigation tools.
Virtual care and patient navigation
Advances in virtual care and patient navigation have potential to improve efficiency of care delivery, thereby increasing system capacity and sustainability. When designed and implemented in a way that aligns with the cultural, linguistic, and practical needs of equity-denied communities, these tools can help achieve equity in access, experiences and outcomes.
The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated challenges in care delivery and widened inequities of care for many communities, including First Nations, Inuit, Métis, people with low income, people who are part of a racialized community or people who live in rural and remote areas. We must continue to work to close these gaps by exploring innovative models of care that optimize resources and enhance the delivery of person-centred care.
Enabling implementation
Digital innovations in virtual care and patient navigation are critical to implementing models of care. They have the potential to enhance person-centred care delivery, access to specialist services and delivery of care in line with people’s beliefs and values. Virtual care, digital health and patient navigation were identified by partners as key enablers in the implementation of models of care.