Virtual care for clinicians

To help support patient care and health care providers in the current COVID-19 pandemic, Zoom for Healthcare has been approved as a virtual care platform for use on an interim basis. Zoom for Healthcare enables clinicians to deliver health services, expertise and information in real time over distance, improving access and eliminating barriers to patient care across New Brunswick.  

Based on usage and user feedback, we are extending the license agreement for an additional year, through to March 2026. This extension will ensure continuity of care in these uncertain times. ZoomHC licenses will continue to be provided free of charge to clinicians in good standing who are currently providing patient care.  

Zoom for Healthcare is a secure, web-based virtual care video conferencing platform. Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing and collaboration across mobile devices, desktops and telephones. The Department of Health has obtained Zoom for Healthcare which provides additional security measures to protect the privacy of personal health information being shared over internet channels. 

Zoom for Healthcare may be right for you if you: 

• need the enhancement of video to deliver patient care 
• are in self-isolation or available to practice remotely 
• can provide patients currently using smart phones and computers for other online services like banking, shopping and Internet with the instructions they need to connect for care using Zoom for Healthcare 
• are concerned about the security of free video conferencing services offered over the internet 

Technology requirements

• an email account (if an administrative assistant will be scheduling appointments on your behalf, they will also require a Zoom for Healthcare account)
• email scheduling software (scheduling software can be used, i.e. Outlook, Gmail, etc.)
• for both health-care providers and patients: access to a computer, tablet or smartphone with audio and video technology and high-speed internet or cell service (4G LTE connection)

Note: Each user is responsible for any charges related to their internet data usage. If you are using data on a mobile device (instead of a wireless "Wi-Fi" connection) be aware that video streams can require significant data. 

The Provincial Virtual Care Program has been operational for approximately seven months. There have been many successes, lessons learned and opportunities for growth. Here is an update on the program with a focus on Zoom for Healthcare (ZoomH) usage.  

Summary of user survey conducted June 2020

• 475 responses received from 2500 contacted users
• 19% response rate
• 79% find ZoomHC easy to use
• 81% want ZoomHC to continue post-pandemic
• 78% would recommend ZoomHC
• 61% use ZoomHC regularly (at least once a week)

Common themes

• easy to use
• continuity of care
• convenient
• safe
• reliable
• flexibility for clients and clinicians

Challenges common themes

• lack of "real" contact – human touch 
• barriers to technology/internet access 
• not well-suited to all patients 

Opportunities

• better "webside manner" can add a "human touch" to a virtual visit. 
• providing education and assistance to develop digital literacy of clients and providers 
• creation of community access points 

What you are saying

"Recently did a Zoom HC on complex patient; was able to have eight different care teams participate as well as patient and family and local caregivers."

"Patients have been super impressed with the quality of video and audio without any interruption of services. Comparatively I keep hearing it's better than anything else they've used."

"I really hope to continue to offer my services virtually. I offer services to the whole province and many of my clients have mobility and/or financial difficulties that are barriers to acccess. This removes some barriers for them and allows me to offer services more widely and equitably."

"I think it is great to offer virtual services, however, there are always going to be clients who prefer in-person sessions."

Private sector employees: Complete the Zoom Healthcare Access Request form (PDF 61 KB) and submit it to [email protected].

Public sector employees (RHA, GNB, EMANB): If you would like to obtain a Zoom for Healthcare license, please respond to [email protected] with "Zoom for Healthcare" in the subject line. 

Please provide: 

• your name 
• phone number 
• preferred language of communication 
• role 
• employer (RHA & Zone and/or private practice name & Zone) 
• zone/GNB username 

Note: With the submission of the above information the clinician represents that the information provided therein is true and accurate, and that they are a practicing member in good standing with their professional association or college.  

GNB has conducted a thorough investigation (including a privacy review and threat risk examination) regarding the privacy and security of Zoom for Healthcare and is comfortable with the measures included in the health care-specific version of Zoom to protect user privacy. GNB will continue to monitor for privacy and security issues on an ongoing basis. 

The Department of Health has obtained Zoom for Healthcare which provides additional security measures to protect the privacy of personal health information being shared over internet channels. These security measures include: 

• restricting Zoom to only processing personal information (PI) and Personal Health Information (PHI) for purposes strictly required to deliver the services
• disabling features like cloud recording, copying chat text between meeting participants, and others
• limiting the amount of personal information used when scheduling a meeting
• using a unique meeting ID for each virtual care session
• creating a secure site where authorized health-care providers and their patients or clients can communicate