Expanding virtual healthcare in remote Indigenous communities
Share
A new research project aims to enhance healthcare access for remote Indigenous communities in Western Australia through technology. The initiative, a collaboration between Western Australia Country Health Service (WACHS), The University of Sydney (USYD), and the Digital Health Cooperative Research Centre (DHCRC), will focus on expanding and embedding virtual health services in these areas.
The project will build on the success of a pilot program that provided virtual emergency services to a community of approximately 700-800 residents. Over the past three years, these services have become an essential part of healthcare delivery in the community. With the support of Aboriginal Medical Services, more communities are now seeking access to virtual emergency services.
WACHS covers one of the largest areas in Australia, spanning 2.5 million square kilometres serving over 500,000 residents, 11% of whom identify as Aboriginal. Melissa Vernon, WACHS Executive Director of Strategy and Change, emphasised the impact of virtual care in these remote areas. “Technology provides a crucial link in delivering timely medical assessment and intervention, reducing the burden of travel, improving healthcare equity for Aboriginal populations, and significantly impacting health outcomes and overall well-being,” she said. “It is also important that we understand the cost benefits of providing these services to ensure we are providing valuable and sustainable services.”
The University of Sydney will conduct research to evaluate the economic costs and benefits of integrating virtual healthcare into more regional communities. The project will involve local community members, consumers, and Aboriginal Medical Services to ensure that the services meet cultural and social needs. Sarah Norris, Associate Professor of Practice, Health Technology Assessment at USYD, stated, “It is critical that accessible virtual healthcare services in these areas are both accurately costed and appropriately adapted to the needs of Aboriginal communities.”
Annette Schmiede, CEO of DHCRC, highlighted the significance of the project. “The success of the WACHS virtual care program to date demonstrates the demand across remote and regional Australia,” Schmiede said. “Through this project, remote health service providers will have an opportunity to inform and tailor future virtual healthcare solutions for the communities they are serving.”
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
