The global pandemic has reinforced the importance of alternatives to in person consults, and providing flexibility to patients/whānau.
A telehealth consultation is where a consultation does not take place with the patient in-person but by phone, video, email, or messaging application. This enables a broader range of healthcare delivery and allows patients to have more choices with their care meeting their individual needs. Both patients and providers will benefit from this non-traditional method as it improves patients access to services, enables whānau to be a part of the consultation and is selected a time that works for both parties.
By using telehealth assessments, clinicians can manage acute response and prioritises care according to patient needs. This done in a systematic way, throughout the day, using a clinician who can diagnose, order investigations and prescribe at times of heaviest demand. Telehealth assessment and treatment system supports continuity of care where possible with documented prioritisation for Māori and other priority patients.
