NEWS - eHealthNews.nz editor Rebecca McBeth
This is a companion discussion topic for the original eHealth News article:
This is a companion discussion topic for the original eHealth News article:
The 50% came scientifically from studies done by Kaiser Permanente. It concerns routine consultations for long-term conditions and periodic check-in care, which does make up a decent percentage of consultations.
Agree, to some extent. But is that with an independent provider or usual provider? As this impacts on continuity of care so there may be work for the usual provider in reviewing and overseeing the ongoing care when consults done by independent provider. Its similar to when a patient is seen at after-hours inperson.
Also other studies have shown no time or cost savings for the clinicians from telehealth use, only for the patient in terms of travel, etc.
I think we also need to consider that if it is the simpler and more transactional activities are done by telehealth, that means the more complex consultations are inperson and would need to funded at a higher rate to manage complexity.
One last comment is around workforce. We are short of GPs so need to be careful of movement of GPs from inperson to telehealth especially if with independent provider as will decrease the number of GPs for inperson and monitoring of longterm care.
Just a few thoughts for what is an area that warrants widespread consultation and discussion to land on a consensus position. There are many stakeholders involved with different perspectives and needs that need to be involved in the decision process.
Lots to think about for the funding models.
Dr Inga Hunter (she/her)
Associate Professor & Director of Health Services Management Programme
School of Management - Te Kāhui Kahurangi
Massey University
Private Bag 11 222 (PN214)
Palmerston North 4442
Tel: 64 6 3569099 (extn 84913)
Email: I.Hunter@massey.ac.nz
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