Amplar Health Tapped as Key Partner for Australian Government’s Virtual Aged Care Nursing Trial
Key Partner Selected
Amplar Health, a healthcare service group under ASX-listed private insurer Medibank, has been chosen as a key partner to the Australian government’s virtual aged care nursing trial. The Department of Health and Aged Care selected the provider group to deliver a telehealth solution underpinning the virtual nursing trial project involving 30 unnamed residential aged care homes.
Why it Matters
From March 2025 to June 2027, the trial will focus on extending virtual nursing care to rural and remote areas and facilities supporting the elderly of First Nations and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The aim is to evaluate the feasibility of integrating telehealth into aged care homes and how it can provide critical support to on-site staff and access to personalized care.
"Our virtual nursing team will act as an extension to on-ground care teams. They will participate in routine care, consult with families, and provide specialist support in areas such as wound care, dementia, and more," shared Amplar Health chief executive Robert Read.
The Larger Context
The Australian government has been working towards digital transformation in the aged care sector, with initiatives such as the five-year Aged Care Data and Digital Strategy and accompanying action plan, which includes virtual nursing. The strategy is expected to pilot AI and virtual reality technologies.
Another initiative contributing to the digital transformation of the Australian aged care sector is a free telehealth training package by a consortium of Primary Health Networks. The training package for residential aged care staff covers topics such as best practices in end-of-life care delivery and technology troubleshooting, and choosing the right location and device.
Recent Development
In other related news, Amplar Health’s parent, Medibank, acquired the telehealth company Medinet last month. It has yet to be revealed if the newly bought company will be part of Amplar Health.
Conclusion
The partnership between Amplar Health and the Australian government demonstrates the growing importance of telehealth in the aged care sector. As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential to prioritize the provision of quality care for the elderly, particularly in rural and remote areas. The virtual nursing trial aims to achieve this goal and set a precedent for future digital healthcare initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the scope of the virtual aged care nursing trial?
A: The trial will involve 30 unnamed residential aged care homes and focus on extending virtual nursing care to rural and remote areas and facilities supporting the elderly of First Nations and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Q: What is the purpose of the trial?
A: The aim of the trial is to evaluate the feasibility of integrating telehealth into aged care homes and how it can provide critical support to on-site staff and access to personalized care.
Q: What kind of services will Amplar Health’s virtual nursing team provide?
A: Amplar Health’s virtual nursing team will participate in routine care, consult with families, and provide specialist support in areas such as wound care, dementia, and more.
Q: What is the timeline for the trial?
A: The trial will run from March 2025 to June 2027.
