Treating patients whenever and wherever they need
29 Oct 2021
Since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, clinicians around the world have sought new and innovative ways to continue caring for their patients.
Telehealth is the process of accessing health-related services and information electronically, from anywhere, and at any time.
“Like all other health care providers, we have had to adjust and increase our virtual care offering, to suit the way of the world,” said Project Manager Cheryl Bell.
”Hawkesbury District Health Service, where floods and bushfires added to the extraordinary times COVID has brought with it, has still been able to provide essential services to the community. This includes offering online antenatal classes, telehealth counselling sessions, telehealth paediatric allied health services and physiotherapy.”
The team at Hawkesbury has also recently started using Physitrack, an online prescription exercise program facilitating telehealth.
At St John of God Bendigo Hospital, first-time mother Ruby gave birth to her son, Milo at the end of 2019.
The pressures of new motherhood compounded by the arrival of lockdown and other restrictions resulted in her struggling at times.
“When lockdown began I started to feel really tired. I didn’t have energy for anything, not even my son,” she said.
By the end of 2020, Ruby realised she needed help with her mental health.
Following a consultation with her GP, she was referred to Raphael Services and diagnosed with severe postnatal depression and anxiety. Ruby began treatment which included medication and weekly appointments via telehealth.
“My clinician, Fiona, called me once a week and provided me with prescription medication to help me manage my health,” said Ruby.
“Speaking to Fiona over the phone, rather than in person actually helped me. I was so low, getting dressed and leaving the house to see someone was not something I was able to do. Being able to access telehealth at that time enabled me to open up and be honest about how I felt.”
After completing her treatment with Raphael Services, Ruby is feeling the energy and joy of parenting again.
At St John of God Health Care, we are committed to providing those we serve an optimal patient experience, whether in person or from a distance. With telehealth, patients can stay connected to medical professionals from the comfort and safety of their homes, surrounded by their support network or, have the convenience of attending appointments from their workplace, reducing travel time and absentee-ism.