Telehealth
Allied health professionals can use technology to provide remote care to older people. This is useful for those who:
- have mobility or transportation issues, and
- those who are living rurally and remote.
In a palliative care setting, telehealth can reduce the exhausting impact of travelling for health appointments. Telehealth allows patients to receive care in the comfort of their own homes, which can reduce their stress and discomfort.
Telehealth can enable allied health professionals to connect with older people through virtual platforms, such as:
- video conferencing
- phone calls, and
- messaging services.
This can reduce waiting time for appointments.
As an allied health professional, you could use telehealth to provide palliative care through:
- Remote consultations: This can include assessments, screenings, and consultations.
- Remote monitoring: Telehealth can also enable allied health professionals to remotely monitor health conditions and track their progress. For example, physiotherapists can use video conferencing to remotely observe and guide exercise routines.
- Education and training: To the older person and/or their carers on various health topics, such as nutrition, exercise, and falls prevention. This can be done through virtual workshops or one-on-one sessions.
- Care coordination: Telehealth can also facilitate care coordination between allied health professionals and other healthcare providers, such as primary care physicians and specialists. This can improve communication and collaboration, leading to better health outcomes for older people.
Allied health professionals should assess each patient's individual needs and preferences before implementing telehealth as a care option.