GP/VMO Support
Why is GP/VMO Telehealth support necessary?
At times hospitals may have reduced medical coverage, with a need for Nurses to be able to provide and have support and advice available for presenting non-urgent, low acuity patients.
How can INTU Healthcare help?
INTU HealthCare's Medical Officers are highly experienced and specialise in regional and remote health and wellness.
INTU HealthCare’s Medical Officers assist Nursing staff and patients to be assessed via phone and/or video link for medical treatment consultation, with prescribing, diagnostics and pathology referrals provided if/where required.
Patients who present to the local emergency department will be triaged. The registered nurse will then call the Medical Officer and assist in the review of the patient. There are cameras in all hospitals that provide two-way video conferencing, in conjunction with telephone communication, to assist with assessment and treatment.
We will always encourage patients to interact with their regular, local GP, advising them of any treatment that is provided. A treatment summary will also be provided, with patient consent to their regular treating local GP.
Telehealth GP/VMO ED Support for Low-Acuity Presentations:
Telehealth technology enables Medical Officers (MOs) to provide remote support in managing patients who present with low-acuity conditions at emergency departments (EDs). This can be especially valuable in addressing ED overcrowding, improving patient flow, and optimising the use of healthcare resources. Here's how this model works, and its benefits:
How Telehealth GP/VMO ED Support Works:
Remote Triage and Consultation: When a patient presents to the ED with a low-acuity condition (e.g., minor injuries, non-severe illness like colds or rashes), the ED staff can request a remote consultation with a GP or VMO. This can be done via video call, phone consultation, or even through text-based communication, depending on the platform.
Assessment and Decision-Making: The GP/VMO assesses the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and current condition through the telehealth consultation. They provide diagnostic advice, recommend treatment options, prescribe medications (where appropriate), or suggest referrals to other services such as urgent care or a primary care follow-up.
Treatment and Disposition: Based on the GP/VMO’s assessment, the patient may be treated in the ED or referred elsewhere, such as a local GP, an urgent care clinic, or a pharmacy for medication. This ensures the patient gets appropriate care without unnecessarily occupying ED resources.
Ongoing Follow-up: If the patient requires follow-up care or monitoring, the GP/VMO can schedule a remote follow-up consultation or provide advice on when and how to seek further care. This ensures continuity of care for conditions that may not require immediate attention but should be monitored.
Benefits of Telehealth GP/VMO ED Support for Low-Acuity Presentations:
1. Reducing ED Overcrowding
Efficient Patient Flow: Low-acuity patients often clog up EDs, especially in peak times. By using telehealth to handle these cases, ED teams can focus on more critical patients, thus improving overall patient flow and reducing waiting times for everyone.
Cost Savings for Healthcare Systems: Telehealth consultations are typically less expensive than in-person visits, which can reduce the overall cost burden on healthcare systems, especially when dealing with a large volume of low-acuity cases.
2. Improved Use of Healthcare Resources
Maximised ED Capacity: Telehealth allows ED resources—such as doctors, nurses, and equipment—to be directed toward more complex and urgent cases, which is especially valuable in resource-constrained environments.
Supporting ED Staff: GPs and VMOs can act as virtual "overflow" staff, providing expert support remotely without the need for physical presence. This is particularly useful in smaller or rural EDs with limited on-site medical staffing.
3. Enhanced Patient Experience
Quicker Access to Care: Low-acuity patients can receive immediate remote consultations, which can result in faster diagnoses and treatment, improving their overall experience.
Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Being able to access healthcare advice quickly through telehealth can reduce the anxiety patients often feel when seeking treatment for minor issues in the busy, high-stress ED environment.
4. Reduced Need for In-Person Visits
Appropriate Referral: Not all low-acuity patients need to be physically seen in the ED. Telehealth GP/VMO consultations can guide patients toward the appropriate level of care (e.g., primary care or urgent care) and avoid unnecessary visits.
At-Home Treatment: For some conditions, the GP/VMO may recommend home treatment or over-the-counter medications, reducing the need for the patient to wait in the ED.
5. Improved Continuity of Care
Primary Care Link: In cases where the patient has an established GP, the telehealth service can help maintain continuity by involving their regular doctor (or a local GP) in the decision-making process.
Telehealth Follow-Up: If needed, the GP/VMO can schedule follow-up consultations to ensure the patient’s condition improves, reducing the chances of readmission or escalation of care.
