Tassie's Tele-rrific Telehealth Network: Linking Primary Health Care Services for Better Rural Health Outcomes

Abstract

The Telehealth Tasmania Network is a statewide network covering a range of primary care services including Wound Management, Diabetes Education and Support, Specialist Clinics, Mental Health, Palliative Care, and health professional support and education. The Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services instigated the Telehealth Network in conjunction with the Commonwealth Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts. The Network is built on a community development and primary care model. It is unique in that consultation with service providers and clients has determined the sites and services. Integration with other agencies is a key feature, with shared infrastructure ensuring viability and sustainability. Evaluation is an integral part of the design, development and implementation of the Network. It is a forward-looking process to guide program and policy development. Although the take-up rate has been relatively slow and uneven, the evaluation findings demonstrate how Information Technology and Advanced Telecommunications are being used effectively to link primary care services with each other and with acute care and institutional services. Key external factors for success and failure have been identified, showing that what works well in one place may well fail in another.