The landscape of healthcare in Australia has been undergoing a profound transformation, thanks to the growing influence of the digital age. One of the most significant catalysts for this change is the widespread availability and adoption of high-speed internet across the country.
The integration of better internet connectivity into the healthcare sector has ushered in a new era of innovation, improved patient care and enhanced efficiency. In this blog post, we will delve deeper into how healthcare in Australia is evolving and improving with the power of better internet.
Narrowing the digital divide
Australia’s geographic vastness has historically posed challenges in providing equitable healthcare access to its citizens, particularly those residing in rural and remote areas. However, the expansion of high-speed internet has played a pivotal role in bridging this gap.
NBN Co’s fibre-to-the-premises rollout has now gained critical mass and the company is on track to enable up to 10 million premises, or up to 90 per cent of homes and businesses across Australia to access FTTP by the end of 2025.
According to recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), as of 2021, around 87 per cent of Australian households have access to the internet, representing a notable increase in internet penetration.
This connectivity boom is enabling telehealth services to reach even the most geographically isolated communities, ensuring that quality healthcare is no longer restricted by physical distance.
The telehealth revolution
The rise of telehealth, which involves the provision of healthcare services remotely through digital communication, has emerged as a transformative force in Australia’s healthcare sector.
The availability of better internet has paved the way for telehealth adoption to soar. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this trend, as the government and healthcare institutions promoted virtual consultations to minimise the risk of virus transmission. Notably, a report from the Medical Journal of Australia highlighted a staggering shift – telehealth consultations surged from merely 10 per cent of total consultations in March 2020 to an astonishing 78 per cent by April 2020.
This significant shift in consultation methods has not only improved access to care but has also alleviated the burden on physical healthcare facilities, allowing them to prioritise critical cases.
Patients residing in remote and rural areas can now consult specialists without undertaking arduous journeys, saving both time and financial resources.
The Australian government’s strategic investments in telehealth infrastructure, underpinned by wider-ranging and more reliable internet connectivity, have solidified the country’s reputation as a global frontrunner in the realm of virtual healthcare delivery.
Enhanced data sharing and electronic health records
The role of the internet in facilitating efficient data sharing and storage is paramount. The My Health Record system, introduced in 2012, stands as a prime example of how Australia’s healthcare sector is harnessing digital platforms to improve patient care.
This secure online repository of an individual’s health information grants authorised healthcare providers access to crucial medical data, fostering more informed decision-making and mitigating the risk of medical errors.
There has been a widespread adoption of digital health records, with approximately 23.6 million Australians having a My Health Record. This statistic underscores the growing acceptance and utilisation of digital health records among the populace.
Enhanced internet connectivity ensures that health information is updated in real time, rendering it readily accessible whenever and wherever required. This seamless exchange of data fosters collaboration among healthcare professionals and enables a comprehensive approach to patient care.
Innovations in remote monitoring
The convergence of healthcare and technology has given rise to innovative solutions that empower patients to monitor their health conditions remotely.
With the aid of the internet, devices such as wearable fitness trackers, blood pressure monitors, and glucose metres can seamlessly transmit data to healthcare providers. This continuous stream of information empowers healthcare professionals to discern trends, intervene proactively and tailor treatment plans to individual needs.
For instance, in regions with limited access to medical facilities, patients grappling with chronic conditions can derive substantial benefits from remote monitoring. A 2023 survey by National Australia Bank found that around 25 per cent of Australians were regularly using connected wearable devices to monitor heart rate, sleeping patterns, blood pressure, steps per day and other metrics.
This surge in adoption highlights the positive influence of improved internet connectivity on patients’ capacity to manage their health effectively and sustain a high quality of life.
Challenges and considerations
While the integration of better internet in Australian healthcare offers promising advancements, it also comes with its set of challenges.
Ensuring the security and privacy of sensitive medical information remains paramount. The Australian government and healthcare organisations are diligently working to implement robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard patient data from potential breaches.
Furthermore, while internet connectivity is improving, there are still pockets of the population – particularly in remote areas – that grapple with suboptimal internet speeds and reliability. Initiatives aimed at addressing these disparities are critical to ensure that all Australians can benefit from the digital transformation of healthcare.
For example, in remote areas with no fibre internet infrastructure, fixed wireless internet access is improving. This 5G or 4G LTE wireless technology enables fixed broadband access using radio frequencies instead of cables, which extends coverage beyond the cable network.
Summary
Australia’s healthcare landscape is undergoing a remarkable transformation, driven by the synergy of healthcare and digital technology.
The availability of better internet connectivity is fueling innovations that are enhancing patient care, improving access and enabling data-driven decision-making. Telehealth services are bridging geographical barriers, telemedicine is empowering patients to take charge of their health, and electronic health records are revolutionising data sharing among healthcare providers.
As we look to the future, continued investments in internet infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital literacy will be essential to unlock the full potential of digital healthcare in Australia. Collaborative efforts between government bodies, healthcare organisations, and technology providers will shape a future where quality healthcare is accessible to all, irrespective of their location.
The journey towards a digitally empowered healthcare system is well underway, and its positive impact on Australia’s citizens is undeniable.
This is a sponsored post
Dr. Matthew Alch
Dr. Matthew Alch (Chiropractor) has been practicing chiropractic at Sydney Spinal Care since late 2002. Matthew graduated from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Chiropractic Science and a Masters of Chiropractic. Matthew’s extensive experience and knowledge combine with his honest and caring nature to serve his patients’ healthcare needs in the best way possible. He is a member of the Australian Chiropractors Association.
