What the UK Can Learn from Telehealth in Australia
Since telehealth became part of the global healthcare sector, it has given people a far more convenient way of receiving care that trumps the old methods.
Australia was one of the first countries to adopt telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has since become a global leader in telehealth delivery.
The United Kingdom (UK) has also invested in digital healthcare, but its system still needs to improve in several key areas, including consistency, accessibility and scale.
The UK can take a few pages from Australia’s playbook to strengthen its own telehealth sector, particularly with regards to the provision of healthcare to senior citizens.
Understanding Telehealth & Telecare services
Telehealth helps medical professionals keep track of their patients’ health without having to haul them into a land-based facility for a routine check-up.
There are several devices that help to close the gap between patients and general practitioners (GPs), making sure people can receive care wherever they are.
For example, blood pressure monitors can automatically send readings to a GP in real time, while glucose meters help patients manage diabetes remotely.
Telecare is more about safety and independence. It uses technology to monitor and support people remotely so they can live safely at home, and is ideal for senior citizens.
It uses devices such as fall detectors, gas leak alarms and personal alert pendants to make sure that senior citizens can get help quickly if something goes wrong.
Both services have a common goal. They help people live independently, stay safe and feel supported in managing their health.
But not everyone has access to this technology in the UK. Local councils are in charge of providing telecare devices and acquiring them can be difficult. It is different story in Australia.
Australia Offers the UK a Useful Telehealth Template
One of the strongest lessons from Australia is the importance of accessibility. Telehealth is effective only if people can use it easily.
Many senior citizens in Australia are comfortable using digital platforms for banking, shopping and staying in touch with family. Healthcare is now in the mix.
The UK can take note of how Australia has embedded telehealth as part of everyday care, rather than treating it as a separate option. Private providers such as Qoctor have played a key role.
According to this impartial Qoctor review, the platform makes it easy for everyone to access a wide range of medical services. Established in 2016 by a team of GPs, Qoctor focuses on delivering an online general practice experience at a low cost.
That kind of offer helps to integrate telehealth into routine GP services and allows older patients to feel more comfortable using it. This gives them some measure of control over their own health.
If the UK government can integrate telehealth into the NHS system properly, then senior citizens across the nation would be able to enjoy the same benefits as their Australian counterparts.
How Australia Embraced Telehealth Services
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 was a turning point for Australia. Lockdown and social distancing rules left the healthcare sector in a tough spot.
Telehealth seemed like the best bet, so healthcare providers and policymakers jumped on the bandwagon. Virtual care has been on an upward trajectory since.
It has now become the most preferred way of receiving care in Australia. Virtual consultations are in high demand, giving patients more flexible options to access medical services.
According to a recent survey, nearly 80 percent of Australians now see telehealth as an essential option.
Senior citizens have also taken a liking to telehealth services. Not all of them know their way around a smartphone device, but they are increasingly embracing video calls and remote monitoring devices.
Telehealth is a cheaper option for senior citizens who require check-ups from time to time. Through virtual care, they can access medical services easily without worrying about exorbitant fees.
