A new telehealth project aims to support senior Australians across North Queensland with better access to their GPs and other primary health care professionals, in turn, improving their quality of health. 

Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) this week announced a new partnership with Enkindle Consulting to assess what support is needed by aged care facilities to increase the uptake of telehealth consultations for older persons. 

NQPHN is calling for expressions of interest from Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs) and Multipurpose Health Centres across the Torres and Cape, Cairns and Hinterland, Townsville, and Mackay regions to participate in an evaluation of their telehealth digital capability and capacity. 

NQPHN Chief Executive Officer Robin Whyte said telehealth was a valuable mechanism for older persons to be able to contact their GPs and other primary health care professionals.  

“We know telehealth is being increasingly embraced as an effective consultation medium, but it can be complex with respect to infrastructure, hardware, software, and the training and skills required by staff to feel confident in using the technology,” Ms Whyte said. 

“We strongly encourage all RACFs in our region to participate in this project and maximise the opportunity to work collaboratively to increase the use of telehealth consultations for older persons. 

“Once improvement opportunities are identified, we will work with the RACFs in the region to deliver the necessary technology upgrades, workforce training, and skills development.  

“Participating RACFs will receive an individual report and improvement plan from NQPHN to assist in improving their telehealth capability and capacity. Recommendations regarding training will be provided to support RACF teams to develop their confidence in assisting residents with virtual consultation services.” 

RACFs are invited to register their expression of interest here. 

Further information on NQPHN's Older Persons projects can be found here. Please email support@nqphn.com.au with any other queries.