Definition of Digital Health

  • Digital health is a broad term that includes several domains beyond just electronic health records.
  • Key components include:
    • Digital Health Systems:
    • Electronic Medical Records (EMRs)
    • Integrated care systems
    • Diagnostics (e.g., pathology, radiology)
    • Virtual Health:
    • Telehealth (e.g., virtual consultations, video conferencing)
    • Augmented and virtual reality applications
    • Data and Analytics:
    • Predictive analytics
    • Machine learning and artificial intelligence
    • Mobile Health (mHealth):
    • Personally-held health records
    • Wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches)
    • Health and wellness applications
    • Foundation Knowledge:
    • Digital literacy, service directories
    • ICT infrastructure
    • Cybersecurity
    • Emerging Areas:
    • 3D printing, genomics, digital therapeutics

Impact of Digital Health

  • Engagement with digital health focuses heavily on electronic medical records for managing patient information.
  • The Australian National Digital Health Strategy (2018):
    • Introduced the My Health Record in 2019.
    • Provides continual access for patients and healthcare providers to health information.
    • Facilitates tracking of medications, immunisations, and allergies.
    • Empowers patients to be informed and involved in their healthcare decisions.

Benefits of Digital Health for Patients

  • Significant benefits include:
    • Avoidance of Unnecessary Hospital Admissions:
    • Reduces risk of hospital-acquired infections.
    • Fewer Adverse Drug Events:
    • Diminishes medication errors through better communication.
    • Improved Coordination of Care:
    • Enhances collaboration among healthcare providers.
    • Better Informed Treatment Decisions:
    • Allows for timely access to relevant health data.

Communication in Remote Settings

  • Remote communication has become essential, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Health professionals transitioned to telehealth to maintain service delivery while minimizing infection risks.

Guidelines for Telehealth Implementation

  • State agencies and professional associations provide guidelines, including:
    • Technological Requirements:
    • Specifications for hardware and software needed.
    • IT Security:
    • Protocols for managing digital information securely.
    • Legal Considerations:
    • Issues related to consent, privacy, and record-keeping.
    • Professional Indemnity:
    • Insurance considerations for telehealth services.
    • Workforce Training Needs:
    • Training on the use of technology and adapting clinical services for telehealth platforms.

Effective Online Communication Tips

  • Ensuring clear roles in telehealth consultations to clients:
    • Clarify each team member's role.
  • Adjusting communication methods for online settings:
    • Ask additional questions to compensate for the lack of physical presence.
    • Speak clearly and slowly; account for technological delays.
    • Use non-verbal cues (nodding, leaning forward) to demonstrate engagement.
    • Visual aids can be helpful, especially with younger clients.

Post-Consultation Client Check-in

  • Important to gather feedback after the initial telehealth consultation:
    • Assess visibility and audibility throughout the session.
    • Identify any technical difficulties faced by the patient.
    • Confirm that patients received the necessary medical care and advice.
    • Inquire about their willingness to engage in future telehealth consultations.

Managing Physical Environment for Telehealth

  • Clients should conduct consultations in a private, quiet area.
  • Ensure:
    • Good lighting and minimal background noise.
    • Sufficient space for effective consultation (e.g., room to assess patient movement).
    • Equipment is adequately set up for video consultations, considering logistics for best quality (e.g., camera distance, lighting).