14 www.lexpert.ca
Feature
hallmarks of these new processes is that they're
continuously evaluating evidence of safety."
However, the relax-
ation of the regula-
tory requirements for
approval of medical
devices and drugs is a
temporary measure that
balances the risk of harm
with risk to Canadians
from the COVID
pandemic. Once the
pandemic is over, Health
Canada will revert to
its "normal process,"
says Watts.
The future of health care
Remote doctor or pharmacy visits are not
only safer but faster. Weinrib say she has had
multiple video or phone consultations with
doctors since the start of COVID and has
found them very helpful, with no commuting
time and wait times never more than five or
10 minutes.
While annual physical exams and some
tests will still have to be in person, "tele-
health will align with our general 'new
normal' post-COVID," says Zborovski,
when those who can work from home
more oen will and perhaps keep life more
straightforward.
Part of that will be an acceptance of the
technolog y that allows someone to call
their doctor online and show them an
ailment such as a rash without having to go
anywhere. Younger generations may already
be close to that, while older generations may
soon adapt as well. "As we get more secure
platforms and become more comfortable
with doing things and disclosing things
online, I think we'll see more and more,"
Zborovski adds.e future of health care
will lie in its provision through leveraging
AI data, virtual technolog y and virtual
devices to virtual diagnoses, says Watts.
"We're struggling in terms of the cost
of provision of caring for Canadians
with chronic illnesses — and that's in the
home, it's in the community; it's not in the
hospital," he says, noting that the Canada
Health Act focuses primarily on hospital
services and those provided by physicians.
Care in communities can be delivered cost
effectively and via telehealth and leveraging
technologies in the home.
"COVID accelerated all of that," he says,
"but also because it clearly highlighted that
it's not safe to go to a hospital to receive care
unless you really need to go."
"COVID HAS ACCELERATED THE
ADOPTION OF TECHNOLOGY TO
DELIVER HEALTH CARE THROUGH
TELECOMMUNICATIONS. IT'S RESULTED
IN AN ACCELERATION OF INVESTMENT
AND PROLIFERATION OF THE
OFFERINGS AND TECHNOLOGIES."
Michael Watts
OSLER HOSKIN & HARCOURT LLP
