Latest telehealth service expansions in Australia and more briefs

Tasmania expands virtual care services

Tasmania’s Department of Health has expanded the coverage of its virtual care program.

According to a media release, the Care@home service’s Acute Virtual Monitoring Program will now cover additional short-term conditions and illnesses, including urinary tract infections, cellulitis and gastroenteritis. It will also accept referrals for discharged patients to help in their transition.

The service, established as COVID@home in late 2021, runs seven days a week and is staffed by nurses, pharmacists, social workers, allied health navigators, and general practitioners.

Statewide clinical alert system live in Tasmania

Meanwhile, 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, also ensures updated access to patient information, including medications, existing conditions and allergies. The transition to this system, which was launched in late November, was supported by extensive training involving over 5,500 health workers across 600 teams. 

Its development is part of Tasmania’s digital health transformation project. The 10-year program also seeks to develop 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 new service, operated by Women’s Health and Equality Queensland, currently provides telephone and web chat non-crisis mental health support, grief and loss counselling post pregnancy or neonatal loss, midwifery support and advice, and domestic and sexual violence counselling. Face-to-face video conferencing is coming soon.   

The state government has invested A$11.35 million ($7 million) over four years in this telehealth service.