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Telehealth uses phones or computers, video calls or digital tools to connect people with health services when they cannot easily attend in person.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in rural and remote locations, can use telehealth to support access to doctors, nurses, specialists and allied health services on Country.
Telehealth can reduce travel, support follow-up care and help people stay connected with trusted local health workers and community-controlled services.
It works best when it is culturally safe in design and delivery, flexible to individual needs and is supported by reliable technology, staff training and strong community relationships.
In the selected case studies, telehealth was used for:
Overall, they identified:
Methods: This themed case study was based on existing published evidence of telehealth use in rural and remote First Nations communities.
Telehealth added value by:
Staying Strong combined telehealth monitoring of vital signs with support from a registered nurse (RN). The program developed individual monitoring plans and used triaging software to support follow-up. Training helped people monitor their health at home, or they could receive support at a local hub. Broadband access was also used for intergenerational activities to support wellbeing and social connection. [1]
Laynhapuy used satellite-supported internet, clinic-based videoconferencing, and phone-based workarounds to connect very remote communities with clinicians and family members. This improved the accuracy of assessments, supported more timely access to care and reduced travel-related costs. [2]
Ungooroo expanded its use of video and phone consultations for appointments, test results, follow-up care and some specialist services. Reported benefits included better access to services for people in remote areas, more flexible service delivery and improved access to specialists. [3]
Telehealth is one part of a wider service model. In all three examples, telehealth was used alongside face-to-face care rather than as a replacement. Individual preferences, cultural connection and needs assessment should take priority over technical considerations.
Implementation relied on a mix of service, workforce,infrastructure and systems supports.
Telehealth is most effective when it is:
Visit the links below to read more about the individual evidence-base used to develop our themed case study on Telehealth.
This webpage by the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) outlines digital health support for Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, with a focus on telehealth, My Health Record, ePrescriptions and secure messaging services.
This dictionary definintion by Sustainability Directory explains culturally responsive telehealth as remote health care that respects and adapts to people’s cultural backgrounds, beliefs, values and communication needs. The page outlines practical considerations including digital access, language support, provider training, community engagement and culturally tailored communication.
This video by General Practice Supervison Australia explains how to provide telehealth to First Nations communties in rural and remote locations.
This guide by Agency for Clinical Innovation, Pain Management Network explains how to deliver telehealth consultations for Aboriginal people with pain management needs. It outlines culturally safe, person-centred approaches, including trust-building, family involvement, local partnerships, flexible appointments and practical support before, during and after consultations.
This Open Access article by Caffery et al. summarises evidence on telehealth use with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including impacts on access, travel, screening and health outcomes.
Want to find current evidence about telehealth use by First Nations communities in Australia? Click on our PubMed searches below. Use 'all' for the complete collection of evidence or 'free' for articles that are available at no cost or 'systematic reviews' for highest quality evidence or 'older adults' for all evidence related to telehealth and older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults in Australia.