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CDO Publishes New Standards and Guidelines on Virtual Care

Posted: May 29, 2023

Publié le 29 May 2023

New standards and guidelines serve as a crucial tool for dietitians to continue to deliver quality care to their clients through virtual channels.

With the help of Ontario dietitians, the College of Dietitians of Ontario has recently published a set of standards and guidelines (Virtual Care Standards and Guidelines) aimed at supporting stronger connections between dietitians and their clients through virtual care. With the surge in online healthcare services due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these standards will help to ensure that clients continue to receive quality care in the digital space.

These standards and guidelines cover a wide array of topics pertinent to virtual care, including safeguarding privacy and confidentiality, obtaining informed consent, and meeting the technological prerequisites for effective virtual appointments. The College advises dietitians to prioritize safeguards when conducting virtual sessions, ensuring that clients fully comprehend the advantages and potential risks associated with virtual care.

“The COVID-19 pandemic created conditions for virtual care to be a part of everyday dietetic practice,” explains Carole Chatalalsingh, RD, Ph.D., Director of Professional Practice at CDO. “Many health-care professionals adapted quickly to new delivery models. Ontario’s four thousand dietitians were no different in this regard. Therefore, we are pleased to launch new Virtual Care Standards and Practice Guidelines. The College recognizes that policy helps the public receive quality dietetic care and supports dietitians to continue providing safe, competent, and ethical dietetic care.”

The standards and guidelines are as follow: 

Standard 1: Dietitians must take reasonable steps to ensure the appropriate use of virtual care and technology for each client. 
Standard 2: Dietitians must ensure the confidentiality, privacy and security of clients’ Personal Health Information (PHI) when practising virtually.
Standard 3: Dietitians must meet informed consent and record-keeping standards when providing virtual care.
Standard 4: Dietitians must know and comply with all the applicable legislation, Standards, and ethical expectations when providing virtual care, regardless of the dietitian or client’s geographic location.

In essence, these standards and guidelines serve as a crucial tool for dietitians to continue to deliver quality care to their clients through virtual channels. By adhering to these standards and guidelines, dietitians can establish a strong rapport with their clients, uphold professional boundaries, and safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of those they serve.

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