Pilbara clinicians using telehealth to connect with remote patients

By combining telehealth technology and the expertise of healthcare specialists, WA Country Health Service (WACHS) has been able to help frontline staff advance their skills – regardless of where they are located or how isolated their communities are.

The use of digital technologies and their role in country healthcare is being celebrated this Telehealth Awareness Week (24-28 October).

Locum Pilbara paediatrician Professor Guan Koh has been a vocal advocate of the use of telehealth in continuing professional development for country clinicians.

“Since early 2021, Karratha Health Campus has been able to host weekly virtual ward rounds bringing together doctors, allied health professionals, clinical students, outreach clinics in communities and staff isolating at home to provide a network of support and collaboration,” he said.

“Telehealth has truly broken down the COVID-19 curtain, especially for rural and remote areas like the Pilbara.”

Across Western Australia, telehealth allows frontline staff in the regions to be supported by a dedicated team of specialist clinicians.

In 2019, growth in demand and improvements in technology allowed WACHS to launch the Command Centre, a 24/7 virtual care hub providing critical care to patients from the beginning to the end of life.

WACHS telehealth services include the Emergency Telehealth Service, Mental Health Emergency Telehealth Service, Inpatient Telehealth Service, Maternity and Obstetric Emergency Telehealth Service, Palliative Care Afterhours Telehealth Service and more.

In 2021-22, telehealth access saved country patients travelling 46 million kilometres to outpatient appointments.