Benefits of Telehealth in Residential Aged Care Facilities
The Telehealth in Residential Aged Care Facilities Program (TRAC) has recently been launched in Broken Hill and Dubbo, using video consultations to improve access to health professionals.
Dr Ai-Vee Chua of Dubbo Family Doctors provided the first consultation to an aged care resident at Catholic Healthcare Holy Spirit. “It was really helpful for me to have visuals to aid in my assessment. It was a positive experience for our patient who suffers from speech difficulties; she very much appreciated the opportunity to have her input via video consultation. Without TRAC, the usual process would have involved a phone discussion with the Enrolled Nurse speaking on behalf of our patient.” said Dr Chua. A real benefit was that the consultation was able to be fitted in between Dr Chua’s other appointments, care was able to be provided in timely manner, and the consultation was able to be easily arranged by the Enrolled Nurse and Residential Manager.
There are many proven benefits using telehealth in aged care facilities, particularly as residents often have trouble getting out and about. Reduced need for transport causes less distress for residents. Doctor appointments can also be made at any time without having to wait for a scheduled visit. This provides a huge time saving for Doctors, with less wasted time spent travelling they are able to spend more time with patients.
This program is jointly funded by the NSW Rural Doctor’s Network and Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN).
In Broken Hill the TRAC Program operates in three Southern Cross Care (Broken Hill) facilities; St Anne’s Nursing Home, Harold Williams Home and Aruma Lodge, linking with GPs from Nachiappans and GP Super Clinic Group. In Dubbo the program is available at two Catholic Health Care Facilities; St Mary’s Villa and Holy Spirit Aged Care, linking with GPs from Dubbo Family Doctors.
Find out more about the Telehealth in Residential Aged Care Facilities Program (TRAC)