Digital health technology, including telehealth, will help older persons across North Queensland access timely and quality care from health professionals in the future. 

Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) Chief Executive Officer Robin Whyte said telehealth would create new health care pathways and give older persons more choices.  

“A combination of digital health care, including telehealth where appropriate, and collaboration between care providers is the future of health and palliative care for older persons,” Ms Whyte said. 

Ms Whyte said NQPHN was currently working with RACFs across North Queensland to develop their digital health capability and capacity.  

“We know telehealth is being increasingly embraced as an effective consultation medium, but it can also be complex,” she said. 

“Upgrading current infrastructure, software usage, and staff knowledge when it comes to digital and telehealth will ultimately provide residents with greater access to health care professionals. 

“Our recently announced partnership with Enkindle Consulting for a new telehealth project in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) and multipurpose health centres also aims to support North Queensland older persons with better access to their primary health care professionals. 

“Once we have these systems in place and staff capability and training delivered, then we can unlock other digital enablers to care such as My Health Record, which captures people’s medical records across health care providers, as well as secure messaging, electronic medication, and virtual charting and scripting. 

“Our commitment is to continue working with primary health care providers to make sure they have compatible infrastructure, software, and training to utilise these existing platforms to provide a higher quality of health care and a better experience for older persons,” she said.