The Health Software Industry Association has called on the Health Council of Australia to think twice about imposing changes to telehealth rules, saying there could be “serious” consequences. wish”.
In a statement, the health tech industry’s highest body noted “significant” oversight from the Health Council’s public consultation over the proposed telehealth guidelines. . The proposed changes also “could limit access to care” for aged carers and patients living in rural and remote areas, and “reduce the rights of patients in choosing their approach to care.”
WHY IT IMPORTANT
In particular, MSIA has criticized proposed technology regulations, such as SMS-based regulation, which it considers “dangerous in a fast-paced technology world”.
A new provision in the proposed guidelines explicitly discourages the provision of care and prescriptions to patients with whom a physician has never consulted, whether in person or by video or phone. This includes written requests for medication that are not made in real time and are based on a health questionnaire filled out by a patient the doctor has never spoken to before.
MSIA CEO Emma Hossack said: “Reducing medical care modalities by not allowing virtual consultations with patients that doctors do not see could reduce safety for these people.” ” She goes on to appeal that rules governing the use of technology should not restrict doctors from exercising professional judgment.
According to MSIA, technology regulation should be based on “an overarching data governance framework developed by stakeholders including physicians.”
BIGGER BACKGROUND
ONE News reports previously cited a Health Council spokesman, who said that it only intends to keep patients safe by proposing such a new regulation on the provision of care. care and prescribing for first-time telehealth users. According to the same report, the board has begun cracking down on unsafe online prescribing practitioners following reports of doctors prescribing narcotics via telehealth.
In the proposed changes to telehealth rules, released in December, the panel expects doctors to ensure that the standard of care they provide in healthcare consultations telehealth is “as safe and responsive as possible”.[s] standards of care are similar to those provided in face-to-face consultations.” telehealth, “it is not suitable for all medical consultations and should not be considered a substitute for face-to-face consultations. .”
Meanwhile, there is also a proposal to change the term “technology-based counseling” with “telehealth” as the term has become increasingly used over the years. In its comments, the Australasian Institute of Digital Health recommended replacing the term with virtual care, which it claims is broader. Chief Executive Officer, Dr Louise Schaper said: “Virtual care can, in many cases and contexts, provide a high level of care and quality outcomes without the need for an additional in-person presence. “.
