The Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ) and the Australian Cardiovascular Health and Rehabilitation Association (ACRA) say telehealth is a critical tool for cardiovascular care.
According to data published by the Heart Foundation, more than 4.7 million people across the two countries are living with cardiovascular disease.
Accessibility to the telehealth appointment bulk billed services featured on comparison website Medicompare makes care affordable for those individuals.
Medicompare is the first Australian platform to offer independent reviews of nationwide telehealth services. The site empowers local citizens to make well-informed choices.
Telehealth offers a different path
Telehealth offers a different pathway to healthcare, with digital technology able to eliminate barriers by bringing care directly to patients wherever they are located.
Options such as video calls, phone consultations, remote monitoring devices and online programmes falling under the umbrella of telehealth.
Telehealth was not designed to completely phase out face-to-face care, but both methods can work side by side. CSANZ and ACRA are strong advocates of telehealth.
A group of 38 heart-health experts from Australia and New Zealand worked together to create an official guidance document that was published in the medical journal Heart, Lung and Circulation.
The authors carefully reviewed leading scientific research from around the world. They paid close attention to local evidence to make sure their guidance suits the unique health systems and communities of both countries.
Interpreting a Statement That Heralds a New Era of Cardiovascular Care
The primary purpose of the statement is to give practical advice to clinicians and explain how telehealth can be used safely and effectively in adult cardiovascular care.
It sets professional standards, highlights best practices and helps medical professionals make the best decisions when caring for patients remotely.
The document isn’t only for medical staff. It helps patients and community groups understand what they should expect from high-quality telehealth heart care, so they can feel confident about the service they receive.
One of the many notable points from the statement is that telehealth was designed to make it easier for patients to access doctors and medical professionals.
Australia and New Zealand are two of the most geographically spread-out countries on the planet, so distance is a problem when it comes to delivering care.
Many people live far from major hospitals or heart specialists, but telehealth levels the playing field.
However, access is only part of the story. Telehealth can also make healthcare feel less stressful. Patients are more comfortable at home, which can make conversations with doctors easier.
They may find it easier to ask questions or involve family members in discussions, making it clear that telehealth works best when it is designed with both patients and clinicians in mind.
The Brains Behind the Position Statement
Senior author Professor Sally Inglis from the University of Technology Sydney, Research Institute for Innovative Solutions for Wellbeing and Health worked on the position statement.
Co-first authors Dr Susie Cartledge (Monash University, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine) and Dr Jonathan Rawstorn (Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition) were also in the mix.
However, Professor Inglis was a major voice who championed the idea of designing telehealth with patients and clinicians in mind to get the best out of the game-changing technology.
Telehealth services are primarily aimed at rural and remote communities, given their well-documented struggles in terms of receiving quality care. However, virtual care also comes in handy for urban patients who may find it difficult to attend appointments in person.
“Telehealth is a valuable way to deliver health care alongside in-person care,” she said.
“It can improve access to cardiovascular services and enhance the patient experience, especially when it’s designed with input from both patients and clinicians.
“In places like Australia and New Zealand, where distance can limit access to care, telehealth makes a real difference for people with cardiovascular conditions.
“Telehealth also helps urban patients who may face challenges attending in-person appointments.”
