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Digital Inclusion

AU leverages broadband to provide in-home healthcare

By Clarice Africa | 3 December 2011

The Minister for Veterans Affairs, Warren Snowdown, and the Minister for Broadband, Communications and Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy announced an AU$8 million (US$8 million) in-home health telemonitoring trial which will enable chronically ill veterans to have their health monitored by health professionals without leaving the comforts of their own homes.

“This trial will take advantage of reliable, high-capacity broadband capability to change the way health services are delivered to the veteran community and allow veterans to access high-quality health care from home,” said Minister Snowdown.

With the in-home telemonitoring technology, vital statistics and other relevant information can be viewed from home, and veterans will also have access to high definition video consultations with their General Practioner (GP) or nurse coordinator when required.

“This will ensure the veterans’ health can be observed, any irregularities can be identified and appropriate GP intervention provided in a timely manner,” he said.

According to Minister Snowdown, around 300 veterans will be able to participate in the trial in the National Broadband Network (NBN) early release areas of Toowoomba in Queensland, Coffs Harbour and Armidale in New South Wales, Mandurah and Geraldton in Western Australia and Kingston Beach in Tasmania, commencing from July 2012.

Mr Snowdon said veterans in the trial would have an individual health care plan developed for them in consultation with their GP and a nurse coordinator.

“Overseas experience has shown that telemonitoring can have significant health benefits for those involved, including more responsive management of chronic conditions.”

Importantly, the program will be closely linked with the Coordinated Veterans’ Care Program, which provides ongoing, planned and coordinated care, led by a GP with a nurse coordinator, to eligible veterans who have chronic conditions, complex care needs and are at risk of an unplanned hospitalisation.

Meanwhile, Senator Conroy said the trial is an example of the exciting and transformational opportunities enabled by the NBN, and contributes to the Australian Government’s vision for Australia as a world leading digital economy by 2020.

“The NBN is the platform that will connect veterans and their health care teams, providing an avenue for care that is ideally suited to many people within our veteran community,” Senator Conroy said.

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