According to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), almost 88% of  Canadians have access to a high-speed broadband internet connection, compared to just over 45% for rural communities. This has led to concerns around a digital divide, the broader digital determinants of health, and whether telehealth technologies can actually be delivered without widening health disparities. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Dr. Keith Thompson, Chief Medical Officer of iTelemed Canada, remains with us to discuss the importance of addressing the digital determinants of health and the ways in which telehealth can be leveraged to reach marginalized and isolated populations.

Podcast Guests

• Dr. Keith Thompson

Podcast Hosts

• Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP®
• Leshawn Benedict, MPH, MSc, PMP®

References for Our Discussion 

• Canadian Medical Association: Virtual Care in Canada - Discussion Paper
• The Agenda with Steve Paikin: Is Virtual Health Care Here to Stay?
• American Medical Association (AMA): A review of telehealth trends: Informing the future of virtual care
• Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) BROADBAND FUND Closing the digital divide in Canada

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Music Credits

The following tracks used in this episode were all produced by Lukrembo:

• Daily • Bread • Biscuit • Bored • Chocolate • Onion • Holiday

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