Learning from International Experiences Delivering Virtual Urgent Care Services Through a Single Front Door: A...

As health systems increasingly adopt virtual care to improve access and reduce pressure on emergency and inpatient services, models such as single front doors (SFDs), that enable remote clinical triage, have emerged globally. Despite the growing interest in SFDs, limited evidence exists on barriers to their uptake. This narrative review identifies five key challenges including the need for seamless patient navigation, safe virtual assessment and triage, integrated patient records, workforce digital competency, and equitable digital access. Clear definition of service scope and target populations is critical to avoid service duplication and consumer frustration. SFD models demand new workforce capabilities, including managing remote interactions and navigating fragmented information systems. Computerised triage offer promise but require ongoing evaluation to ensure clinical appropriateness and system efficiency.