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).