10 Benefits Of Telehealth For Patients And Providers In Australia

Telehealth, a rapidly growing trend in healthcare, has bridged the gap between patients and providers in Australia. Especially considering recent global events, the adoption of telehealth benefits both patients and healthcare professionals across the country. Through the innovative use of telecommunications technology, telehealth transcends traditional barriers, providing accessible, convenient, and efficient healthcare services remotely. One can now get to speak to a General Practitioner from the comfort of their home at any time of the day or night. 

According to the digihealth.gov.au website, between March 13, 2020, and July 31, 2022, over 118.2 million telehealth services were provided to approximately 18 million patients, with participation from over 95,000 practitioners. These numbers show the extent to which this technology is adopted post-pandemic and its increasing acceptance by the public.   Patients can now access a wide range of healthcare services from the comfort of their homes, eliminating geographical constraints and streamlining the care process. This is especially beneficial for people with mobility issues, people living in rural or remote areas, people having difficulties getting a doctor’s appointment and people who require a repeat script or a medical certificate online.  

As per the Australian Medical Association’s report, by 2031, Australia is projected to experience a shortfall of 10,600 General Practitioners (GPs). The report found that demand for GP services will increase during the same time driven by several factors such as population growth, ageing, more frequent visits to the GPs by the patients, and spending more time for each consultation.  To navigate this shortage of GPs, healthcare providers are leveraging telehealth to extend their reach, optimise resource allocation, and deliver high-quality care to a diverse population. 

What Does Telehealth Mean?

Telehealth comes from blending “Telecommunications” with “Healthcare”. This refers to delivering healthcare services using telecommunications technology such as the Internet. This innovative approach enables patients to access medical care, consultations, diagnoses, and treatment from healthcare professionals without the need for in-person visits to a clinic or hospital. With video conferencing, phone calls, messaging apps, and other digital platforms, telehealth appointments offer convenience, accessibility, and efficiency in the delivery of healthcare services.

A telehealth consultation is like having a doctor’s appointment, but instead of going to the doctor’s office, you talk to them through your computer, phone, or other devices. It is a way for you to get medical advice, consultations, or even treatment from a telehealth doctor without leaving your home. Telehealth uses technology to connect patients with doctors and specialists, making healthcare more convenient and accessible, especially for people who live far from medical facilities or have difficulty travelling.   Additionally, most telehealth providers offer telehealth prescriptions, consultations, referrals, and mental health consultations round-the-clock. This after-hours telehealth service is a boon to many people who might wait in the emergency waiting rooms for easily solvable medical concerns.  

Benefits of Telehealth for Healthcare Providers

Telehealth helps healthcare providers optimise their resources so more patients can get quality care without causing professional burnout. Here are some ways telehealth benefits the healthcare providers:

1. Improved Access: This allows healthcare providers to extend their services to a broader patient population, including those in remote or underserved areas. It also enables quick turnaround time for patients who require a repeat online script or a medical certificate effectively reducing the waiting lines at a GPs office. 
2. Reduce Resource Utilisation: Telehealth streamlines the healthcare delivery process, reducing administrative burdens and optimising resource allocation. Providers can conduct virtual consultations and appointments more efficiently, minimising wait times and maximising productivity. 
3. Flexibility in Scheduling: Telehealth offers providers greater flexibility in scheduling appointments. This allows them to accommodate more patients and offer appointments during non-traditional hours. This flexibility enhances patient access to care and improves overall patient satisfaction.  
4. Cost Savings: Telehealth can lead to cost savings for healthcare providers by reducing overhead expenses associated with maintaining physical facilities. Providers can also save time and resources by eliminating the need for travel between multiple clinic locations.  
5. Improved Work-Life Balance: Telehealth allows providers to work remotely, offering greater flexibility and control over their schedules. This can lead to improved work-life balance and reduced burnout, benefiting both providers and their patients. An online doctor can make a telehealth appointment from anywhere ensuring they get their rest. 
6. Provider Collaboration: Providers can easily consult with specialists, share patient information, and collaborate on treatment plans, leading to better patient outcomes.  
7. Minimising Exposure to Infections: Reduced risk of exposure to contagious diseases is particularly valuable during public health emergencies like pandemics.  
8. Increased Patient Satisfaction: Telehealth makes it easier for patients to get care when they need it. It helps patients feel more involved in their healthcare and encourages them to talk openly with their doctors. This makes patients happier and more satisfied with their healthcare experience. Patients especially those with mental health concerns can speak to a GP without any social stigma making telehealth for Mental Health a valuable tool.  
9. Adaptable to Public Health Emergencies: Providers can continue to deliver essential healthcare services remotely during public emergencies such as the pandemic. This ensures continuity of care and minimum disruptions to patient care. 
10. Health for all: Telehealth makes it easier for everyone to get healthcare, especially people who might have trouble getting to a doctor’s office, like those with disabilities or older adults. It helps make sure that everyone has the same chance to receive quality healthcare. 

Benefits of Telehealth for Patients

Telehealth in Australia has emerged as a meaningful change in its healthcare landscape. Patients across the country can now access quality care without the need for travel. Here is a look at the telehealth benefits for patients: 

1.  Convenient Online Consultations: Telehealth doctors provide patients with the convenience of accessing healthcare services for minor injuries, flu, fevers, coughs, colds or chronic conditions that can be easily managed. Online consultations eliminate the need for travel and waiting rooms, saving time, and reducing inconvenience for patients.  
2. Accessibility: Telehealth breaks down geographical barriers, particularly benefiting individuals in rural and remote areas who may have limited access to healthcare facilities. It ensures that patients can receive timely medical advice and support regardless of their location.  
3. Online Medical Certificates: With telehealth, patients can obtain medical certificate online, eliminating the need for in-person visits to healthcare providers for sick leave documentation. This streamlined process enables patients to manage their health and work commitments more efficiently. 
4. Online Prescriptions: Conformant Telehealth platforms facilitate the issuance of online scripts or repeat scripts. This convenience enhances medication adherence and ensures timely access to essentia
5. l treatments. Some telehealth providers also deliver medicines to your home which elevates the convenience of getting medication.  
6. Round-the-Clock Service: Telehealth offers round-the-clock access to healthcare professionals, enabling patients to seek medical assistance at any time, including outside of regular office hours. This 24/7 availability of Telehealth GPs is particularly beneficial for urgent medical concerns and emergencies.
7. Reduced Waiting Times: Online consultations often have shorter waiting times compared to in-person appointments, as patients can book appointments more flexibly and receive timely care without lengthy delays. 
8. Cost-Effective Healthcare: Telehealth can lead to cost savings for patients by eliminating travel expenses and reducing consultation fees associated with traditional in-person visits. Patients can access quality healthcare services at a lower cost, making healthcare more affordable and accessible. Bulk-billed telehealth consultations might also be available with some providers such as bulk mental health services.  
9. Improved Health Outcome
10. s: The accessibility and the convenience of this service will enable patients to get medical advice quickly avoiding any potential escalation of their health. This is especially useful for patients suffering from mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. 
11. Enhanced Patient Engagement: Telehealth empowers patients to take an active role in managing their health by providing them with access to valuable health information, resources, and support. This increased engagement can lead to better health literacy and improved health behaviours. 
12. Health Parity: Telehealth helps address healthcare disparities by ensuring that all individuals, including those with disabilities, older adults, and those with limited mobility, have equal opportunities to access quality healthcare services.  

In this era of technological advancement, telehealth has emerged as a vital tool in healthcare delivery, transforming the traditional healthcare landscape for providers and revolutionising patient care. It is a convenient, accessible, and efficient way to access medical care, obtain prescriptions, receive specialist referrals, and manage their health from virtually anywhere. As technology continues to advance, the potential for telehealth to enhance patient care and improve health outcomes is limitless.