SA Health has begun rolling out its virtual care program to more than 120 residential care facilities in the state.
This follows a trial in 11 aged care homes run by Eldercare since early last year.
In partnership with SA Ambulance Service, regional hospitals, and aged care facilities, SA Virtual Care Services (SAVCS) provides personalized assessment via video link for patients emergency personnel at the scene with responders.
Respondents can look to senior and specialist clinicians for video-tablet assistance to assess, monitor, and identify the most appropriate and safe options for the patient. emergency.
WHY IT IMPORTANT
The SAVCS pathway brings the expertise of clinical teams typically found only in EDs to the patient’s home.
During its trial, about 70% of SAVCS patients avoided ED hospitalizations and unnecessary triple zero calls and instead received on-site care.
“The [SAVCS] is an easily accessible healthcare service that avoids referrals for aged carers,” said Samantha Miller, executive director of the court area at Eldercare Acacia.
This virtual service also reduces hospital emergency presentations and thus reserves valuable hospital resources for those who really need them.
SA Health hopes the service will benefit approximately 10,000 aged care residents statewide.
TREND TO BIGGER WOMAN
To further enhance emergency care during the COVID-19 outbreak, Northern Health also in July expands access to its virtual emergency department service to people living in residential aged care facilities and COVID-19 patients being treated at home through the Pathway Program Positive COVID-19.
