Deeble Perspectives Brief No. 10: Providing telehealth in general practice during COVID-19 and beyond - [ Ссылка ]
In Australia, virtual healthcare has traditionally been viewed as a way of enhancing access to care for people living in rural and remote communities. However, at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has severely restricted patients’ ability to see their GPs, virtual healthcare is now helping to expand access to care to our more vulnerable Australians. In March 2020, new temporary MBS telehealth items were made available which allow GPs to conduct telehealth GP management plans and team care arrangements for the purpose of chronic disease management. While the Government has indicated support for this rebate to continue in the long term, it will be important to anticipate the opportunities that virtual healthcare can provide to the healthcare sector in order to ensure its long-term future. This will require understanding how telehealth service provision can deliver high quality, safe, patient-centred care; and how funding arrangements are able to adapt to the implementation of new technologies. COVID-19 has seen a big change in the experience of receiving and providing healthcare for patients and GPs. Sharing stories of change, and how change has led to better patient outcomes is important.
