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Rural aged care missing out on digital health gains, experts warn

Picture of Ritchelle Drilon

Ritchelle Drilon

Rural aged care missing out on digital health gains, experts warn

Picture of Ritchelle Drilon

Ritchelle Drilon

Digital health technologies are transforming aged care in Australia — but not everywhere. In rural and regional areas, many facilities are struggling to keep up and experts say that gap could have serious consequences for older Australians.

That’s the message from a new Flinders University study, which found that regional aged-care services need stronger support to take full advantage of digital tools like telehealth, electronic records and remote monitoring.

“Digital health isn’t a luxury for metropolitan providers; it’s essential infrastructure for equity, safety, and sustainability,” says Dr Naser Pourazad, lead author of the review published in the International Journal of Medical Informatics.

Dr Pourazad says digital technologies can make a big difference in improving care and reducing costs — but only if services have the right systems and skills in place.

“Smart tech saves money and smarter policy saves people,” he says. “But rural and remote aged care and home services can struggle to implement new technologies due to challenges such as connectivity, training and leadership support.”

The review analysed 48 Australian studies exploring how health professionals use and experience digital health in aged care. It found that common barriers include patchy broadband coverage, limited digital literacy among staff, and a lack of clear leadership and long-term strategy around technology.

“Mobile and remote monitoring tools help under-resourced facilities track health changes in real time and prevent crises,” Dr Pourazad adds. “But without consistent internet access or training, these benefits are out of reach for many regional providers.”

Co-author Dr Peivand Bastani, a Senior Lecturer in Healthcare Management at Flinders University, says the problem goes deeper than technology.

“Australia’s aged care system is under strain, with rising costs, growing demand, and persistent workforce shortages stretching services to their limits,” she says. “Digital health technologies promise safer, more efficient, and more connected care. Yet, our study shows that the tools such as telehealth, virtual consultations, remote monitoring and electronic record keeping are least available where they’re needed most — in rural and regional communities.”

The researchers argue that bridging this digital divide will require national investment and leadership.

They’re calling for action on four fronts: better connectivity and infrastructure, stronger digital training for staff, consistent leadership that supports innovation and co-designing new solutions with both professionals and older Australians.

According to Dr Madhan Balasubramanian, senior author of the study, the benefits are clear.

“Telehealth and virtual consultations reduce unnecessary hospital transfers and keep older adults connected to care — both in residential and home care — while Electronic Health Records improve medication safety, reduce duplication, and enhance coordination,” he says.

The team agrees on one point: technology should never replace human care — but it can make it more effective, especially in the places that need help most.

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Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.

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