Standardizing Virtual Healthcare Deployment: Insights From the Implementation of Telerobotic Ultrasound to Bridge Healthcare Inequities in Rural and Remote Communities Across Canada.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the integration of virtual care into healthcare systems, presenting a unique opportunity to address healthcare inequities in rural and remote communities, particularly those that are Indigenous. This commentary outlines critical steps and best practices for deploying virtual care in underserved regions, drawing on over a decade of experience in Saskatchewan. Key recommendations include creating detailed community profiles, assessing digital literacy, and using standardized readiness tools to evaluate infrastructure and clinical needs. A weighted prioritization framework ensures efficient resource allocation, while partnerships with Indigenous-led institutions, such as SIIT, equip local healthcare assistants to support virtual care delivery. Examples from successful telerobotic ultrasonography deployments in the rural and remote communities of Saskatchewan highlight the potential of virtual care to improve healthcare access, outcomes, and sustainability. By tailoring interventions to community-specific contexts and involving local stakeholders, virtual care can bridge health disparities and serve as a replicable model for similar settings worldwide.