Virtual care and the pursuit of the quadruple aim: A case example

Many healthcare organizations have adopted the quadruple aim to create system-level improvements for delivering enhanced experience and outcomes to patients, healthier populations, reduced per-capita costs, and better provider experiences. With a maturing health technology sector, virtual care is gradually being adopted in Canada and proving to be a viable tactic for achieving the quadruple aim. Despite increased acceptance of virtual innovations and their related benefits to patients and providers, implementation of virtual care can be challenging in a Canadian healthcare system. The Ottawa Hospital developed an innovation strategy to guide the adoption and maturity of virtual care as a means of supporting the pursuit of the quadruple aim and achievement of the organization's mission and vision. A case example presenting the strategy and recommendations for health leaders and providers considering implementation of virtual care is discussed.