We had two announcements besides the speech given to open proceedings. These were:
Next Step for Telehealth Services for Patients
The Australian Government’s investment in better connecting patients to specialist services through technology took a step forward on 30 November, with the release of a discussion paper seeking views on the most effective delivery for the scheme.
30 November 2010
The Gillard Government’s investment in better connecting patients to specialist services through technology took a step forward today, with the release of a discussion paper seeking views on the most effective delivery for the scheme.
Over $352 million will support online specialist consultations for Australians in rural, remote and outer metropolitan locations.
“Telehealth will cut down the tyranny of distance and bring specialist services to the patient’s doorstep through the use of online videolink technology,” said Ms Roxon.
“That will cut down patients’ travel time and is part of the Government’s investment in delivering specialist services closer to home.
“From 1st July 2011, this telehealth initiative will provide around 495,000 services over four years, as well as training and incentives for specialists, GPs and other health professionals to participate in delivering online services.
“For example a patient in a regional area who is being treated for high blood pressure and whose GP wants a specialist’s opinion may be forced to travel a long distance to see a cardiologist – now they would be able to get the service delivered locally.
…..
A copy of the discussion paper can be found at www.mbsonline.gov.au and submissions close on 27 January 2010.
More here:
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/mr-yr10-nr-nr188.htm
The paper is pretty short (5 pages) and really is just seeking suggestions as to what would work best. It is a fair bit of money so I hope they get some really good ideas!
And this one
Mobile Phone Applications Could Help Revolutionise Health Care in Australia
Accessing a patient’s record may be as easy as using a mobile phone application as the Government’s investment in e-Health revolutionises health care in Australia.
30 November 2010
Accessing a patient’s record may be as easy as using a mobile phone application as the Government’s investment in e-Health revolutionises health care in Australia.
A demonstration iPhone app has been developed to show how Doctors could access a patient’s record easily with e-Health records including x ray results and allergies, making diagnosis quicker and safer.
“The mobile application is an example of how we want to make it easier for patients so that wherever they are in the country, doctors and nurses can see their medical history.
“Allowing doctors instant access to a patient’s health record will mean that any conditions such as allergies can be quickly discovered and that can save lives.
“It will cut down on medication errors which account for 190,000 admissions to hospital each year.
“In years to come, the Government’s e-Health investment will be considered as one of the great technological advances in medicine and like the invention of the stethoscope, the x-ray and the vaccine will be part of routine healthcare.
“e-Health will have great benefits, take for example the case of a young mother whose two children suffer from asthma.
“She would have their medication history at her fingertips which means that if the children were to be hospitalised with an attack, the emergency department teams won’t be working blind – they will be able to know the history and current drug treatments.
“The iPhone app is in the concept stage, but is a good example of how we can harness technology to help health professionals deliver better patient outcomes.
More here:
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/mr-yr10-nr-nr189.htm
It is good the team get that once you have a mobile browser and a portal all sorts of things are possible. Doh!
Keep up the visionary work!
David.
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