ArticleThe western journal of emergency medicine2026
Sustainability in Quality Improvement: Outcomes of a Novel Pediatric Virtual Urgent Care in Ontario, Canada.
Article in The western journal of emergency medicine, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
introductionVirtual care is expected to play an increasingly important role in the Canadian healthcare system, with the 2023-2024 Health Canada Departmental Plan outlining the advancement of digital health solutions as a focal point. However, key outcomes of transitioning from traditional in-person healthcare appointments to a virtual model of care are not yet well-described. Here, we apply the Sustainability in Quality Improvement (SusQI) framework to patients seen in a novel pediatric virtual urgent care (VUC) program to quantify the environmental, economic, and social impacts of virtual care.
methodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of provincial pediatric VUC visits staffed by pediatric emergency physicians and nurse practitioners during the 2020-2025 fiscal years. We focused on three key metrics: (1) economic value, measured as travel costs avoided; (2) environmental value, measured in fuel saved (L) and carbon emissions reduced (kg CO
resultsA total of 12,900 virtual visits were completed during the study period, 99.9% via the Webex platform. Net savings totaled $998,100. Environmental benefits included 128,700 L of fuel saved and 384,200 kg CO
conclusionVirtual urgent care resulted in significant financial and environmental savings per visit. These benefits included reduced financial and time burdens for families, lower hospital-related expenditures, improved environmental performance, and diversion of low-acuity cases from the ED. Comparable ON-Marg scores between patients seen virtually and in-person suggest accessibility across socioeconomic groups. These findings indicate that pediatric VUC is a viable complement to traditional care, providing meaningful cost and environmental savings while ensuring equitable access.
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