Individuals who reside in long-term care (LTC) often have cognitive impairment and multiple comorbid diseases, putting them at an elevated risk of morbidity and mortality associated with COVID-19. Transferring these susceptible elderly individuals to the hospital during the pandemic for non-COVID related conditions also presented an added risk to elderly residents.
Maple is a virtual care platform that enables patients to have access to doctors and other health providers in a timely and convenient method. This platform enabled Trillium Health Partners (THP) physicians to assess patients for COVID-19 virtually (covered by OHIP), so patients are only required to attend in-person visits when necessary. As a result, patient visits are diverted to the Emergency Department (ED), helping to increase surge capacity while also reducing patient exposure to potential infections.
