In a move to further embed digital health technology in the classroom, clinic and research, Swinburne University of Technology partner with a telehealth software platform.
According to a recent press release, the partnership will engage students who are studying health-related courses, and the wider community, in using the latest telehealth technology.
Telehealth Tech
This will thereby equip them with the capability to treat Australians remotely and redefine models of healthcare.
The partner company, which specialises in online health consultations, will provide access to cutting-edge technology for the University students, researchers and clinical services.
It will teach the students how to break down the barriers that were created by distance between healthcare professionals and patients.
It is imperative that the students are prepared for a workforce where healthcare is increasingly delivered remotely, which is also at the core of digital health’s future in Australia.
There is a need for graduates that are comfortable with using this technology and the University will be producing them.
Health and digital technology go hand in hand, and this partnership reflects the University’s commitment to being a leader in digital health and its passion for innovation in all aspects of teaching, training and research.
Reaching remote communities
The distance between healthcare providers and those they serve can require enormous amounts of effort, time, and money to overcome.
The company aims to knock down this barrier by making video visits the new standard of care. They want to bring fairer access to healthcare for all citizens, regardless of their location.
Research has shown that up to 80% of clinician visits can be provided online with comparable clinical outcomes.
Although the company made sure that their telehealth technology is simple to use for both patients and providers, it is still necessary for the next generation of medical professionals to be equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to make online consultations as effective as possible.
Beyond geographical constraints, there is often a stigma attached to seeking support for certain health services such as mental health.
For many people, however, this disappears when they can do it from the comfort and privacy of their own homes.
This makes telehealth a fantastic – and under-utilised – solution for those seeking aid, regardless of location.
The University’s health future
The company’s technology will be embedded into the University’s curriculums for the following courses:
- Nursing
- Occupational therapy
- Psychology
- Dietetics
- Health science
- Digital health and informatics
All of these are being taught through the University’s new Health Precinct, which is utilising the latest in technology and facilities.
In addition, the technology will also be implemented into the University’s new Master of Physiotherapy, and Graduate Certificate in Teleaudiology, which are set to launch from mid-2019.
