Table 1 Key points associated with the four themes emerging from the analysis of the Policy Forum

Identifying population care needs and access problems

• Keep needs of the target population central to any efforts to spread and scale-up eConsult

• Ensure service does not overlook patients with complex circumstances (e.g. rural areas, indigenous communities) who often face inequitable access to care

Engaging stakeholders

• Collaborate with stakeholders from a variety of disciplines and organisations

• Establish clear governance and accountability

• Partner with national and provincial organisations (e.g. professional colleges)

Building on current strategies and policies

• Align with existing government priorities (e.g. Health Links, opioid strategy)

• Adapt current clinical and operational models

• Partner with existing telemedicine organisations

• Address key considerations of privacy, licensing and regulatory differences between jurisdictions

• Develop strategies for quality assurance, improving technology, and adopting clinician and practice workflows

Measuring and communicating outcomes

• Develop an evaluation system that includes measures relevant to physicians, administrators and patients

• Emphasise benefits of eConsult beyond improving access or reducing wait times (e.g. educational value)

• Include eConsult in medical curriculum as a standard of practice