AUSTRALIAN consumers are increasingly embracing contemporary healthcare, including telehealth and medicinal cannabis, according to research commissioned by Montu healthcare group.
The survey of 1,000 Australians found that three-quarters (75%) believed telehealth improves healthcare access for all Australians, with 94% agreeing it improves access for people in rural and regional areas in particular.
One-third (33.1%) thought telehealth would become the primary way they access essential healthcare and health advice within five years.
The survey also showed that medicinal cannabis has moved from the fringes to slowly becoming an integral part of healthcare in Australia, almost 10 years since it became legally available.
Nearly two-thirds (64%) supported integrating medicinal cannabis into mainstream healthcare, believing it to be a legitimate, evidence-based treatment.
"We're seeing clear evidence that Australians are becoming more sophisticated in how they engage with innovative models of care," said Leafio's General Manager, Nicole Le Maistre.
"They want convenient options like access to doctors and nurses at times that suit them, home delivery, they're selective about medications, and they view telehealth as a legitimate and long-term care model," she explained.
Meanwhile, in a survey of 202 healthcare providers (HCPs), comprising 50% pharmacists and 50% doctors, Montu found that significant systemic barriers remain to prescribing medicinal cannabis in Australia.
More than two-thirds (69%) of GPs and specialists stated the process is overly complex, or that they are unclear on how to navigate the Special Access Scheme or Authorised Prescriber pathways.
And while 85% of HCPs support the use of medicinal cannabis for specific conditions, and 78% believe it should be integrated into mainstream healthcare, medicinal cannabis prescribing rates remain low - only 15% of GPs and specialists surveyed were currently authorised, and 73% had never prescribed it.
Obstacles to prescribing include legal liability concerns, particularly around driving and drug-testing implications (51%), and a lack of clear and well-defined prescribing guidelines (41%).
Montu highlighted the importance of investing in clinical education and regulatory clarity, and said it plays an active role in shaping policy, including submissions to the current TGA consultation and contributions to the its working group. KB
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