A NEW research project aims to improve healthcare access for remote Indigenous communities in Western Australia through the use of technology.
Building on the success of a virtual emergency services pilot in a community of 700-800 residents, the project will explore expanding the Western Australia Country Health Service (WACHS) Command Centre into additional communities.
These services, supported by Aboriginal Medical Services, have been in use for over three years, providing essential virtual care.
In addition to the WACHS, the collaboration involves The University of Sydney (USYD), and the Digital Health Cooperative Research Centre (DHCRC).
Melissa Vernon, WACHS Executive Director of Strategy and Change, was clear about the impact of virtual healthcare.
"Technology provides a crucial link in delivering timely medical assessment and intervention; reducing the burden of travel; improving healthcare equity for Aboriginal populations; and has a significant social impact on health outcomes and overall wellbeing."
The University of Sydney will lead the research into the economic costs and benefits of extending these services.
"It is critical that accessible virtual healthcare services in these areas are both accurately costed and are appropriately adapted to the needs of Aboriginal communities," A/ Prof at USYD Sarah Norris commented.
DHCRC's CEO Annette Schmiede said, "the success of the WACHS virtual care program to date demonstrates the demand across remote and regional Australia and through this project, remote health service providers will have an opportunity to inform and tailor future virtual healthcare solutions for the communities which they are serving". JG
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