Telehealth

Also, the Victorian government has announced over $280 million in funding to make its virtual emergency department permanent.

There are more and more neurology patients – but the number of neurologists has stagnated. Dr. Robert Bermel explains how telemedicine is becoming more crucial as neurological conditions get more complex.

Funding covers the upcoming 24/7 primary care telehealth, mental and addiction telehealth, and Pharmac's digitalisation. 

Dr. Sipra Laddha, a physician expert in women's health and virtual care, says telehealth and AI can work in tandem to help women – and all patients – who need mental healthcare, even in a time of limited access.

Also, Western Australia has expanded access to its virtual emergency department.

A partnership that aims to provide culturally sensitive care is reducing hospital stays by leveraging digital tools that improve access to treatment, says Renee Broadbent, SoNE Health's chief information officer.

In-hospital nurses can focus on more critical tasks and direct patient care while virtual nurses handle the routine monitoring and documentation tasks. Patients appreciate more personalized support and the overall hospital experience.

The state's MOTHeRS Project has helped virtually connect high-risk pregnant women in rural areas to OB-GYN, mental health and diabetes care. Dr. Sy Saeed of the North Carolina Statewide Telepsychiatry Program explains how.

Compared with patients not using virtual care, patients using telehealth for knee replacement rehabilitation recover faster, report significantly less pain, show greater improvements in range of motion – and incur $2,460 less in total care costs.

The announcement comes less than a year after Dexcom announced a strategic partnership and $75 million investment in the health-tracking ring maker.