Handy virtual specialist therapy enabling care closer to home for country WA residents
Enhanced Scope Hands Occupational Therapist Barbara conducting a Telehands session with Occupational Therapist Megan and patient Julie in Collie.
We’re bringing specialist hand therapy closer to home with the launch of WA Country Health Service’s Telehands Program.
Country patients requiring specialist hand therapy have previously had to travel to metropolitan areas for treatment. Telehands is changing that by bringing expert care directly to patients through virtual consultations, helping them receive high-quality support and care locally.
The pilot program will be rolled out in two phases over 12 months, starting in February 2025. Phase one will provide:
- Virtual telehealth co-consultations with local clinicians and patients to enable hand therapy services closer to home.
- Virtual telehealth consultations directly to country patients who have limited access to specialist services.
- Clinical support to WACHS clinicians to build capacity and sustainability in their services for local patient care.
Following additional consultation, a review of phase one will help to determine next steps, before further phases are rolled out.
WA Country Health Service Director Allied Health Suzanne Spitz said the program is designed to provide specialist hand therapy across country WA, regardless of a patient’s location.
“The program will enable local care, save patient travel and improve access to specialist hand therapy in the bush, as well as supporting our local clinicians to deliver the best care possible”
"We want to ensure that no matter where you live, you can receive the specialist care you need.”
WA Country Health Service allied health clinicians will refer patients to the Telehands Clinic via e-referral. The referrals will then be triaged, and co-consultation appointments booked.
The clinic will also provide an opportunity for clinicians to contact the clinic to discuss a patient’s referral, plan of care and receive advice and guidance outside of a co-consultation.
The program is available from 8am – 4pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday for children and adults, regardless of the complexity of their condition.
For more information about the program contact wachs.telehands@health.wa.gov.au.