Medical specialists are hopeful telehealth becomes more integrated into healthcare in Tasmania post-COVID, with the government estimating there has been a "1200 per cent increase" in its use during the pandemic.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Launceston General Hospital clinicians believe telehealth has been a positive to come from COVID, helping to increase access to healthcare for Tasmanians living in regional and remote areas.
LGH neurologist Dr Matt Lee-Archer said the system was constantly improving, including identifying the right patients suitable for telehealth consults.
"The next step is really just all of us in the community - doctors, patients and other clinicians - becoming more familiar and confident about the right type of patient, the right time to use this technology and becoming more about the standard way of working," he said.
IN OTHER NEWS:
"Patients with chronic disease where they've got to know their treating clinicians over time can really be a group that will benefit significantly, because being able to check in with them remotely like that is a lot more convenient for the patient.
"We can usually do everything we need to do by the tele consultation that way, and I think they will definitely be a group that we'll see into the future using telehealth regularly."
Telehealth co-ordinator for the North, Kate Prince, said patients were initially unsure about the service, but once they saw how much time it could save, the subsequent appointments became easier.
"Once they've overcome the hurdle of getting set up for their first appointment, they're usually more than willing to do it again for their repeat appointments, and find it a really convenient way to receive their healthcare," she said.
"We're confident that we'll continue after COVID because of the benefits that people have found through using it."
The government has since rolled out 15 computers on wheels to regional healthcare facilities, allowing people in the North-West, North East and East Coast to access healthcare in Hobart or Launceston via their local clinic.
