One impact of the pandemic has been a sharp increase in the use of digital platforms to deliver services that have traditionally only been available in person. One example of this has been the willingness of healthcare practitioners to use technology to consult with patients remotely in situations where an in person visit is not necessary.

To better understand the challenges that the healthcare industry has faced during the pandemic and the shift to digital offerings, RBC's Trinh Theresa Do recently spoke to three executives from telemedicine firms; Maple (of which RBC is an investor), Well Health Technologies, and Dialogue. All three firms have experienced exponential growth during the past year and are cautiously optimistic for a more digital, patient-centric future for all Canadians. Given the difficulties that many Canadians experience in accessing health care, especially in rural areas, this shift to a digital healthcare option may be a lasting benefit to many if it continues beyond the eventual end of the pandemic. You can click on this link to visit the RBC Disruptors site to listen to the podcast: Listen now .