WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) has commissioned telehealth technology provider Visionflex to deploy telehealth carts to residential aged care homes (RACHs) across Western Australia.
Approximately 150 RACHs have expressed interest in securing equipment to enhance their resident’s health care experience. It is expected that the first 75 carts will be delivered and in action within the next four months.
The telehealth carts are equipped with Visionflex’s Vision video call platform and bluetooth-enabled devices including pulse oximeter, blood pressure cuff, digital stethoscope with headphones, and a high-definition examination camera. The medical-grade carts include an all-in-one computer with integrated webcam, wireless keyboard and mouse, a patient-facing webcam and monitor and in-built video conferencing software.
The platform allows GPs and other health care providers to monitor residents’ vital signs and manage imaging for wounds and skin conditions. The devices enable live monitoring, and integrate with practice management software and My Health Record.
WAPHA is funding the purchase of the carts as well as training for RACH staff and health care providers, including GPs. WAPHA staff will also be trained to provide ongoing support to RACHs.
WA Primary Health Alliance Executive General Manager – Primary Care Innovation & Development, Bernadette Kenny, said the telehealth carts will help eliminate barriers and improve access to care.
“Access to new technology like mobile telehealth carts is a crucial step towards creating better primary care experiences across the board.”
The technology is expected to improve access to primary care services, reduce travel time for health care professionals, facilitate better management of chronic conditions, increase early intervention, and potentially decrease hospital admissions, especially in the after-hours period.
Enquiries about the telehealth carts and rollout can be sent to RACFTelehealthandAfterhours@wapha.org.au.
Read more about how we are taking on an enhanced role in supporting the health and wellbeing of older Australians through our Aged Care Program.