The many benefits for the rural sector suggest it is time to integrate telehealth models into routine clinical practice
The uptake of telehealth in Australia has been increasing steadily, but continued uptake relies on clinical champions. Australian telehealth models cover a wide range of medical specialties and subspecialties.1 However, most telehealth services in Australia are currently optional, which acts as a barrier to the growth and uptake of these models.
The full article is accessible to AMA members and paid subscribers. Login to read more or purchase a subscription now.
Please note: institutional and Research4Life access to the MJA is now provided through Wiley Online Library.
- 1. Gray LC, Smith AC, Armfield NR, et al. Telehealth assessment final report. Prepared for Department of Health and Ageing. Brisbane: UniQuest, 2011. http://www.mbsonline.gov.au/internet/mbsonline/publishing.nsf/Content/6E3646F307A5E938CA257CD20004A3A8/$File/UniQuest%20Telehealth%20Assessment%20Report%20.pdf (accessed May 2014).
- 2. Armfield NR, Edirippulige SK, Bradford N, Smith AC. Telemedicine – is the cart being put before the horse? Med J Aust 2014; 200: 530-535. <MJA full text>
- 3. Sabesan S, Roberts LJ, Aiken P, et al. Timely access to specialist medical oncology services closer to home for rural patients: experience from the Townsville Teleoncology Model. Aust J Rural Health 2014; 22: 156-159.
- 4. Audebert HJ, Schenkel J, Heuschmann PU, et al. Effects of the implementation of a telemedical stroke network: the Telemedic Pilot Project for Integrative Stroke Care (TEMPiS) in Bavaria, Germany. Lancet Neurol 2006; 5: 742-748.
- 5. Mistry H. Systematic review of studies of the cost-effectiveness of telemedicine and telecare. Changes in the economic evidence over twenty years. J Telemed Telecare 2012; 18: 1-6.
- 6. Smith AC, Scuffham P, Wootton R. The costs and potential savings of a novel telepaediatric service in Queensland. BMC Health Serv Res 2007; 7: 35.
- 7. Thaker DA, Monypenny R, Olver I, Sabesan S. Cost savings from a telemedicine model of care in northern Queensland, Australia. Med J Aust 2013; 199: 414-417. <MJA full text>
- 8. Sabesan S. Medical models of teleoncology: current status and future directions. Asia Pac J Clin Oncol 2014; 10: 200-204.
- 9. Sabesan S, Allen DT, Caldwell P, et al; Royal Australasian College of Physicians Telehealth Working Group. Practical aspects of telehealth: establishing telehealth in an institution. Intern Med J 2014; 44: 202-205.
No relevant disclosures.