Healthcare Innovations
Tasmania Expands Virtual Care Services
Tasmania’s Department of Health has expanded the coverage of its virtual care program, the Care@home service’s Acute Virtual Monitoring Program. The program, which runs seven days a week and is staffed by nurses, pharmacists, social workers, allied health navigators, and general practitioners, will now cover additional short-term conditions and illnesses, including urinary tract infections, cellulitis, and gastroenteritis. The program will also accept referrals for discharged patients to help in their transition.
Statewide Clinical Alert System Live in Tasmania
The Health Department has fully implemented a new clinical alert system that allows healthcare professionals to enter and update patient alert information into the digital medical record in near real-time. The alert system, which replaces paper-based processes, ensures updated access to patient information, including medications, existing conditions, and allergies. The transition to this system was supported by extensive training involving over 5,500 health workers across 600 teams.
Digital Health Transformation Project
The development of the clinical alert system is part of Tasmania’s digital health transformation project, a 10-year program aimed at developing the state-wide electronic medical record system and ambulance patient care records.
Queensland Launches Rural Women’s Telehealth Service
The Queensland government has introduced a new virtual counselling line for women in regional and rural communities. The service, operated by Women’s Health and Equality Queensland, provides telephone and web chat non-crisis mental health support, grief and loss counselling post pregnancy or neonatal loss, midwifery support, and domestic and sexual violence counselling. Face-to-face video conferencing is coming soon.
Conclusion
The expansion of virtual care services in Tasmania and the introduction of a new telehealth service in Queensland demonstrate the commitment of these states to improving healthcare outcomes through innovative technology and services. These initiatives aim to enhance patient care, reduce wait times, and increase access to healthcare services, particularly for those in rural and regional areas.
FAQs
Q: What conditions will the Care@home service’s Acute Virtual Monitoring Program cover?
A: The program will cover additional short-term conditions and illnesses, including urinary tract infections, cellulitis, and gastroenteritis.
Q: Who will staff the Care@home service?
A: The service will be staffed by nurses, pharmacists, social workers, allied health navigators, and general practitioners.
Q: What is the purpose of the clinical alert system?
A: The clinical alert system ensures updated access to patient information, including medications, existing conditions, and allergies.
Q: How much has the Queensland government invested in the rural women’s telehealth service?
A: The Queensland government has invested A$11.35 million ($7 million) over four years in this telehealth service.
