Sue Whetton and Jacky Hartnett have been successful in obtaining a substantial national grant to deliver training aimed at up-skilling health professionals so they can effectively use telehealth to enhance access to services for rural, remote and metropolitan communities.

Sue Whetton and Jacky Hartnett have been successful in obtaining a substantial national grant to deliver training aimed at up-skilling health professionals so they can effectively use telehealth to enhance access to services for rural, remote and metropolitan communities.

Delivery of effective healthcare via telehealth is a complex matter involving both vide-oconferencing skills and an understanding of the socio-technical environment within which the service is delivered. There is sufficient evidence to suggest that the success of telehealth services is very dependent on the ability of health professionals to adapt the changed work flows and relationships arising from the use of telehealth. This includes an understanding of the way in which Medicare and other systems operate in relation to healthcare delivered at a distance.

This project will provide materials via a combination of a nationally available website and modularised training kits that address the range of skills and issues. The structure and content of the materials will cater for the diversity of professional backgrounds, experience and learning styles of health professionals. The project will also offer training to professionals within practices, professional associations and health organisations to enable them to deliver training to other staff/members.

Contact: Sue Whetton and Jacky Hartnett