Novel Telehealth Outreach Model: Why travel to see the rheumatologist?

From December 2018, over 300 patients were seen via telehealth in the outreach program. The outreach telehealth and face-to-face clinics have been able to increase patient capacity to provide ongoing quality health care services. As many as 14% of Metro North rheumatology patients were coming from Central Queensland, with demand increasing. From 1st January to 30th April 2019, 77 rheumatology telehealth appointments, and 13 new patient appointments in the face-to-face clinic were seen by the GP with special interest in rheumatology.

The model has been welcomed by patients and staff. We are able to provide significant improvement in patient satisfaction, clinician satisfaction, in addition to reduction in waiting times to be seen by the specialist and reduction in patient travel. It is pleasing the model is able to increase access to rheumatology specialist care to patients in Central AK14Queensland. In addition, there are significant cost savings to the patient, and the health system. 
-    Moreover, the model improves the clinical skills of the clinicians. As a GP with special interest in rheumatology, the skills learned in the clinic are shared within the greater GP community in Central Queensland. Clinical skills are enhanced in assessment during telehealth consultations for musculo-skeletal examinations, joint injections, and communication and counselling patients. We are able to utilise local services in providing quality patient care. It has been an invaluable experience in improving the level of professional development for GP’s and all staff involved. Our telehealth team, including nursing, administration, and clinical members, are part of an integral team who are able to provide quality patient care to Central Queensland patient base.