Virtual Care Provision and Emergency Department Use Among Children and Youth

Is the modality of primary care sick visits (virtual visit vs in-person visit) associated with subsequent emergency department (ED) use in children?In this population-based cohort study of data from 2 608 503 unique children, virtual sick visits were associated with a modestly higher risk of ED use within 3 days, particularly for low-acuity visits, among children aged 3 months to 17 years. No difference in ED use was observed among infants aged less than 3 months.The findings of this study suggest that a cautious approach to the use of virtual care for managing acute pediatric illness may be warranted.

Corresponding Author: Natasha R. Saunders, MD, MSc, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada (natasha.saunders@sickkids.ca).

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