In the era of digital transformation, particularly in the context of the pandemic, the health sector is reinventing itself and virtual care is on the rise. A look at the innovative solutions offered by the Canadian communications technology company to meet the changing needs of the population and health professionals.
For several years, TELUS has been investing in sectors of activity with high potential for digital transformation, such as agriculture and telecare. Its TELUS Health division, which is experiencing remarkable growth – there is talk of an upcoming IPO – is increasing its acquisitions, investments and collaborations with key players in a booming environment. The objective: to enable Canadian employers to offer their employees a full range of tailor-made virtual services and care relating to prevention, physical and mental health, occupational health and well-being.
24 hours a day, seven days a week
Thanks to its digital expertise, the robustness of its infrastructures and the reliability of its communications network, the TELUS Health Virtual Care solution allows members of its various programs to have access to health professionals 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Care and services include medical advice on health and prevention, diagnosis and primary care, virtual consultations with health professionals, referral to specialists, as well as mental health support. The offer is completed by issuing prescriptions and requests for medical imaging and laboratory analyses.
For countless workers, the pandemic has shone a light on the benefits of virtual care, and many today want continued access to it. “When we know that 96% of Canadians believe that virtual care should be a permanent option and that 67% of millennials expressly request it from their employer, we understand that virtual solutions in the field of health are now essential. , explains Danny Serraglio, Vice-President, Sales and Marketing, TELUS Health Virtual Care. The pandemic has reduced the number and frequency of contacts between people, and services offered online have grown considerably. In this context, people had no choice but to turn to digital, and this allowed them to see that this kind of service met their needs. The demand for virtual care continues to increase, which makes telecare central to the company’s development strategy. »
Employers who have chosen to include virtual healthcare in their benefits portfolio are making a real difference when it comes to attracting and retaining talent. “Clearly, access to telecare has a significant impact on the general well-being of workers,” continues Mr. Serraglio. They appreciate the fact that their employer cares about their physical and mental health. »
The advantages of a personalized solution
The suite of services offered by TELUS Health goes beyond primary care and constitutes a truly integrated solution, supported by a national network of care centres. This digital tool helps organizations not only improve employee health and well-being, but also increase productivity, decrease absenteeism and benefit costs. Not to mention the HR advantage in a context of labor shortage.
The approach, it must be said, is friendly and focuses on empathy and human relationships. “We offer employees and their families a single entry point that offers them a personalized healthcare experience,” explains Danny Serraglio. When you access the platform, you are greeted by a nurse with whom you have a first interaction in a few minutes. Then, depending on the severity of the situation, a nurse practitioner intervenes online to provide advice, make a diagnosis or refer the person to a specialist. What sets us apart is the highly personal human interaction that takes place at every step, unlike what happens with automated systems. We place great emphasis on prevention so that people develop healthy lifestyles and stay healthy for a long time. »
Mental health, a major concern
A survey conducted by the Conference Board of Canada in collaboration with TELUS Health revealed that 77% of employees say they are willing to leave their employer to join an organization that offers better wellness support, even if the salary is lower. Of the respondents, 67%, or about two out of three employees, use the mental health services offered by their employer. In fact, mental health is one of the top three reasons members visit TELUS Health.
“With the pandemic, more than half of Canadians are struggling with mental health issues or burnout,” says Danny Serraglio. We offer specialized digital therapy on our platform, based on a self-managed and supervised model. Several modules allow those who consult to take charge of themselves and manage problems of stress, depression, insomnia, and more. Even teenage anxiety can be tackled. »
What sets us apart is the highly personal human interaction that takes place at every step, unlike what happens with automated systems.
The Conference Board of Canada survey, carried out in November 2021, also established that flexible working hours and teleworking are considered essential by 65% and 72% of workers respectively. One thing is certain: personalization, whether about benefits or choice of workplace, can not only allow employees to thrive and recover if they have been sick, but also to focus on preventive health activities.
A corporate clientele
In Quebec, TELUS Health’s marketing efforts are currently focused on the business community, and it is the organizations that join the platform that offer their employees access to the various services. The latter also adapt very well to telecare. “Young adult professionals are the segment of the population that values our virtual care proposition the most,” says Danny Serraglio. That said, our platform is easily accessible to anyone who has a computer, tablet or smart phone, and who knows how to surf the Internet or communicate by email. He adds that after discovering the simplicity and user-friendliness of the service, and seeing that they can avoid traveling or waiting in the emergency room for hours, users are won over and want to continue with this formula.
“In an increasingly competitive business environment, being able to meet the needs of employees has tangible benefits for organizations and workers alike,” concludes Danny Serraglio. It’s a winning formula for everyone, because you have to be in good health to have an impact on the evolution of mentalities and the society in which you live. »
Learn more: telushealth.com/virtualcare
TELUS Health is a global healthcare company that provides preventive care and wellness solutions for employees and their families. In addition to providing unparalleled customer service to already more than 50 million people, the TELUS team and 100,000 other healthcare professionals rely on TELUS’ digital capabilities and data analytics tools to transforming outcomes in curative, preventive and mental health care around the world.
This content was produced by Le Devoir’s special publications team in collaboration with the advertiser. Le Devoir’s editorial team had no role in the production of this content.
Learn more about TELUS Health