Emerging as one of the most popular modes of healthcare, telehealth services provide discernible benefits for patients and healthcare providers especially for those who are in rural and remote areas. It utilises technology to provide healthcare services. Email, telephone consultations and videoconferencing are the commonly used medium in this mode. These technological mediums ensure convenient and efficient healthcare access.
Telehealth services could be divided into two categories: synchronous and asynchronous. The former delivers the services through real-time updates such as videoconferencing. On the other hand, the latter allows the provision of services through emails or sending images to the doctors for consultation.
Synchronous consultation is supported by the Medicare Benefits Schedule and could be greatly utilised by patients in the rural and remote areas of the country. It gives direct and real-time access to healthcare.
Primarily, telehealth video consultation is done through videoconferencing wherein the healthcare provider and the patient is not in a similar location.
The transmission of information is done electronically between the healthcare provider and the patient in a remote location. It is through such a platform that the health worker duly gives the services necessary for the patient. The communication between the two ensures the appropriate judgment on the condition of the patient after all.
Moreover, specialists should abide in certain administrative and technical guidelines whenever this kind of telehealth service would be delivered. Safety and proper procedure must be secured to ensure that the healthcare service is duly provided.
Read the RACGP’s Full Guide here.
