Patient safety of virtual primary care: a qualitative study examining risks and mitigation strategies.

While virtual care allowed continued access to primary care during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was not without risks. This study, conducted with patients and providers, identifies patient safety risks associated with virtual care and strategies patients and providers can implement to mitigate those risks. Patients and providers described limitations with describing and examining relevant symptoms, as patients might be unaware of what is important to report. They also reported technological and logistical barriers to care. Mitigation strategies include improving triage, providing technical support before and during the appointment, and standardizing guidelines to ensure continuity of care.