Earlier this year, the University of Queensland’s COH was engaged by the Brisbane North PHN to deliver business process support to over 70 RACHs throughout Brisbane.Â
The initiative was prompted by findings from the Australian Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, which indicated that there is a need to increase telehealth use, as a means to increase access to healthcare. As a result, Brisbane North PHN received funding to support Residential Aged Care Homes (RACHs) to establish or expand their current telehealth capabilities and infrastructure, enabling better access to primary health care providers via telehealth for residents.
with RACH staff during a training session
The project is being led by Prof Anthony Smith and Dr Annie Banbury, who has extensive experience and knowledge in the use of digital health in aged care and also involves six more telehealth consultants from the COH.
Since starting this project, the COH has delivered technical support, tailored business processes and telehealth training to RACHs. Consultants have conducted online consultations, on-site visits and had the opportunity to engage with RACH clinical and IT staff to facilitate the implementation of telehealth within these homes.
RACH staff have been very receptive to the support and training provided and are eager to employ their learnings in future telehealth consultations with residents and their clinicians.
