JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

In recent years there has been desire to include virtual care in surgical practice, which has been accelerated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many physicians feel that communicating via telehealth is not akin to traditional methods of providing health care, and thus guidance on maintaining excellence in communication is necessary, especially as academic literature on virtual care in surgery is non-existent. Challenges faced in transitioning to virtual care include the inability to utilize body language, barriers to traditional physical examination, exacerbation of existing vulnerabilities and inequities in patient groups, the declining quality of medical education, and the fragmentation of the multidisciplinary healthcare team. Through focusing on pillars of good communication, including preparation, professionalism, empathy, respect, and the virtual physical examination, this paper seeks to resolve these challenges.