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Presentation Description
Institution: Mercy Palliative Care - Victoria, Australia
Background
During and post pandemic, it became evident other forms of communication were required to improve responsiveness around urgent care needs. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in every home introduced barriers to effective communication. Patient visits became time limited and the fear and uncertainty of what the Covid-19 virus was potentially bringing into patients homes saw many visits being declined.
During and post pandemic, it became evident other forms of communication were required to improve responsiveness around urgent care needs. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in every home introduced barriers to effective communication. Patient visits became time limited and the fear and uncertainty of what the Covid-19 virus was potentially bringing into patients homes saw many visits being declined.
Aim
To assess the viability of telehealth in current community palliative health practices and to embed this platform into everyday practice.
To assess the viability of telehealth in current community palliative health practices and to embed this platform into everyday practice.
Methods
An internal review of what already existed within the wider organisation was undertaken. Engagement with IT services identified HealthDirect was a portal already used. Consultation with internal leadership teams provided discussion regarding the best use of telehealth application. Benchmarking with other services was undertaken.
Data was gathered and guidelines, procedures and information for patients were developed.
Education sessions were rolled out to staff and recorded for use in ongoing staff orientation.
A spreadsheet was devised to capture ongoing feedback with qualitative and quantitative reporting to management.
An internal review of what already existed within the wider organisation was undertaken. Engagement with IT services identified HealthDirect was a portal already used. Consultation with internal leadership teams provided discussion regarding the best use of telehealth application. Benchmarking with other services was undertaken.
Data was gathered and guidelines, procedures and information for patients were developed.
Education sessions were rolled out to staff and recorded for use in ongoing staff orientation.
A spreadsheet was devised to capture ongoing feedback with qualitative and quantitative reporting to management.
Results
The introduction of telehealth into service delivery has been overwhelmingly positive. With benefits in both Nursing and Allied Health application, including:
The introduction of telehealth into service delivery has been overwhelmingly positive. With benefits in both Nursing and Allied Health application, including:
· Improved responsiveness to meet patient and family urgent care needs
· Connecting with internal Medical Teams
· Liaising with external health professionals
· Reducing staff travel times and increasing cost effectiveness
· Efficiency in meeting patient demands with reduced staffing levels
· Ability to meet with multiple family members in various locations
· Better connectivity and continuity of care
Conclusion
Despite limitations working through the pandemic, telehealth provided a medium to enhance continuity of care and a new way forward to improve ongoing service delivery. It may not be available to all or be appropriate in all situations but it has given staff confidence to suggest a different style of communication, which provides an extension of care when needed.
Despite limitations working through the pandemic, telehealth provided a medium to enhance continuity of care and a new way forward to improve ongoing service delivery. It may not be available to all or be appropriate in all situations but it has given staff confidence to suggest a different style of communication, which provides an extension of care when needed.
Presenters
Authors
Authors
Mrs Jennifer Zerafa - Mercy Palliative Care , Ms Janice Kingston - Mercy Palliative Care
