Table 1.

Key points associated with the four themes emerging from the analysis of the Policy Forum

Theme	Key Points
Identifying population care needs and access problems	• Keep needs of the target population central to any efforts to spread and scale-up eConsult • Ensure service does not overlook patients with complex circumstances (e.g. rural areas, indigenous communities) who often face inequitable access to care
Engaging stakeholders	• Collaborate with stakeholders from a variety of disciplines and organisations • Establish clear governance and accountability • Partner with national and provincial organisations (e.g. professional colleges)
Building on current strategies and policies	• Align with existing government priorities (e.g. Health Links, opioid strategy) • Adapt current clinical and operational models • Partner with existing telemedicine organisations • Address key considerations of privacy, licensing and regulatory differences between jurisdictions • Develop strategies for quality assurance, improving technology, and adopting clinician and practice workflows
Measuring and communicating outcomes	• Develop an evaluation system that includes measures relevant to physicians, administrators and patients • Emphasise benefits of eConsult beyond improving access or reducing wait times (e.g. educational value) • Include eConsult in medical curriculum as a standard of practice