Improving Healthcare through Technology
The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and innovations being introduced to improve patient care and outcomes. In recent years, there have been several developments in the aged care and telehealth sectors, aimed at providing better services to patients and reducing the workload of healthcare professionals.
Aged Care Provider Halves Staff Turnover with Automation
Not-for-profit aged care provider Southern Cross Care Queensland has modernised its workforce management processes amid reforms across the aged care sector. The organisation has implemented a suite of solutions from Humanforce, including time and attendance, rostering and scheduling, and financial wellbeing, as well as an employee application. This implementation has resulted in reduced staff turnover, from 40% over the past four years to 17%. Southern Cross Care Queensland runs 13 homes and five retirement villages, manned by over 1,300 staff, and needed to replace its previous rostering system, which was at its end of life, as it dealt with challenges posed by sector-wide reforms.
Free Telehealth Launched in Sydney
The state government of New South Wales has extended free virtual healthcare service to Sydney. The service, which can be accessed via HealthDirect, will provide care for urgent but non-life threatening conditions, including coughs, colds, and flu; respiratory symptoms; diarrhoea; and minor rashes. The NSW government expects the service to save 85,000 unnecessary waits in emergency departments each year. Free telehealth has been part of government initiatives to address ED pressures, with over the past two years, free urgent virtual care services have been delivered to children and adults, and telestroke and rural telehealth services have also been launched.
Virtual Hand Therapy Consults Live in Western Australia
WA Country Health Service has started piloting a new virtual specialist hand therapy service. Running in two phases over 12 months, the pilot service will provide virtual co-consultations with local physicians and patients. Co-consultation appointments will be booked following triage of e-referrals to the Telehands Clinic. This service aims to provide better care to patients with hand injuries or conditions, and reduce the need for in-person consultations.
Conclusion
The introduction of new technologies and innovations in the healthcare industry has the potential to greatly improve patient care and outcomes. The examples of Southern Cross Care Queensland, the NSW government’s free telehealth service, and WA Country Health Service’s virtual hand therapy service demonstrate the positive impact that technology can have on healthcare. By embracing these innovations, healthcare providers can reduce staff turnover, improve patient care, and reduce the workload of healthcare professionals.
FAQs
- Q: What is the main goal of introducing new technologies in the healthcare industry?
A: The main goal is to improve patient care and outcomes, as well as reduce the workload of healthcare professionals. - Q: How has Southern Cross Care Queensland benefited from implementing new workforce management solutions?
A: The organisation has seen a reduction in staff turnover from 40% to 17% over the past four years. - Q: What conditions will the free telehealth service in Sydney provide care for?
A: The service will provide care for urgent but non-life threatening conditions, including coughs, colds, and flu; respiratory symptoms; diarrhoea; and minor rashes. - Q: How will the virtual hand therapy service in Western Australia work?
A: The service will provide virtual co-consultations with local physicians and patients, with co-consultation appointments booked following triage of e-referrals to the Telehands Clinic.
