The arrival of healthcare 2.0 in British Columbia: An evaluation of telemedicine and eHealth literacy as a barrier to access

Telemedicine has grown exponentially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and has demonstrated the benefits of a virtual healthcare system. In British Columbia, third-party providers are currently meeting the demand for telemedicine, but legislation and policies are lagging behind. Telemedicine's growth in the private sector within a policy vacuum may allow for barriers to develop as not all patients are equipped for the transition to virtual healthcare. eHealth literacy has been identified as an obstacle to equitable and accessible telemedicine and requires consideration in virtual care delivery. This study examined how eHealth literacy affected patients' perspectives on telemedicine and compared it to the current landscape of third-party providers in British Columbia. The results informed the development of policy options for decision-makers in government. The recommendations are the development of standards for providers, the creation of a provincial telemedicine program and the establishment of clear leadership in virtual care.