Healthcare in rural and remote Australia has long faced significant challenges.
Dr Olivia Fisher, Senior Lecturer at Charles Darwin University and health researcher at Wesley Research Institute, highlights a stark reality: many health leaders and clinicians have accepted a lower standard of care for rural communities, deeming it “better than nothing.” This mentality has led to preventable hospitalisations, premature deaths, and a growing life expectancy gap between rural and metropolitan areas.
Dr Fisher’s research, focusing on virtual healthcare as a solution, seeks to bridge this divide.
She asserts, “Every Australian, regardless of postcode, deserves access to high-quality healthcare.”
Virtual hospitals, which deliver hospital-equivalent care from home, have shown potential to reduce costs, lower mortality rates, and improve patient satisfaction.
However, despite the promise of virtual healthcare, challenges remain, particularly those stemming from hasty implementations during the COVID-19 pandemic that lack sustainable frameworks.
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Drawing from implementation science, Dr Fisher identifies key enablers for successful virtual healthcare models, including strong executive leadership and enthusiasm for expanding rural services.
However, restrictive funding models, such as those imposed by private health insurers and Medicare, present substantial barriers.
The inability of healthcare professionals to access Medicare benefits for telehealth consultations with admitted patients has hindered the development of private virtual hospitals in Australia. Dr Fisher’s study underscores the need for better funding structures to support virtual healthcare as an equal standard of care, rather than a compromise.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telehealth, with more Australians turning to virtual consultations for chronic condition management, mental health support, and follow-up care.
Yet, there is a divide in perceptions of virtual healthcare. While some see its potential, others express concerns about clinical assessments and patient safety.
These concerns are particularly prevalent among consumers and carers, many of whom still prefer face-to-face consultations.
Addressing these concerns through clear and transparent communication will be essential to building trust and acceptance of virtual healthcare.
For virtual healthcare to succeed, effective communication strategies, including public relations and public engagement efforts, must address these challenges, such as training healthcare workers to adapt to virtual care, overcoming funding barriers, and ensuring a clear, well-planned vision for implementation.
As Dr. Fisher notes, “Virtual services can give hope and access to life-saving healthcare for people outside of the major cities, but we need to address this bias so we’re not accidentally reinforcing the inequities people in rural and remote areas already face.”
With the right support, including effective use of social media to build awareness and trust, virtual healthcare could provide a transformative solution, ensuring all Australians receive the care they deserve.
