Important: This article is general information, not medical advice. Virtual care is not appropriate for every concern. For a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Decide who you want involved
A patient may want a family member, caregiver, friend, or another support person present to help with technology, remember questions, or take notes. The patient should decide who is involved and what information can be shared. Tell the clinic in advance that you would like someone to join rather than assuming a visit link can be forwarded.
The provider may ask everyone to introduce themselves and may confirm whether the patient is comfortable with the support person being present. A patient can also ask to speak privately with the provider for part of the visit.
Give your support person a useful role
Before the appointment, agree on what help would be useful. A support person might help write down questions, keep a current medication list nearby, take notes, or remember practical follow-up steps. They should not answer on the patient’s behalf unless the patient asks or the care team directs otherwise.
If joining by video, decide whether you will sit together or connect separately. Ask the clinic what technology it uses and whether multiple participants can join. Keep the appointment details private and use the clinic’s approved connection method.
Keep consent and privacy clear
Virtual health information is personal. Choose a private setting, avoid recording the visit, and do not share links, screenshots, or notes more widely than the patient intends. If you need an interpreter, accessibility accommodation, or other communication support, tell the clinic before the appointment so it can discuss the available options.
After the visit, check what the patient wants shared and how they would like follow-up handled. Contact the clinic through its approved process if anything about the plan is unclear.
Continue with related Alberta guides.
These patient guides add context on virtual care, care navigation, and next-step preparation.
Learn more from Alberta resources.
These public resources offer additional context on virtual-care preparation, safety, and professional standards.
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