What is telehealth?
Telehealth is a safe form of communication that allows patients and families to keep in contact with their health professionals from their home or local area. Telehealth uses the internet to create a teleconference or video call link.
Priority is usually given to remote and regional families.
Who participates in a video call
Parents,carers and other family members are all able to participate in a video call to talk with the palliative care service. Your local health teams can also be involved. These may include:
- paediatricians
- general practitioners
- palliative care nurses
- community health providers (e.g.nurses)
- allied health staff (physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers)
- local hospital clinicians
- school staff
What can be discussed during a video call session
- symptom management and medication review
- an opportunity to talk about the well-being of your child and family
- discussions about your goals of care
- emergency care planning
- end of life planning
- assistance with practical issues such as equipment
- education and advice for you or your local health teams when needed
- child life therapy and music therapy sessions (if available)
- bereavement support.
Advantages of video call
- improved access to specialist palliative care when you are at home or in a location closer to home
- provides an opportunity for both the palliative care team and the family to update each other with any new information
- reduced isolation that can occur for families at home
- your palliative care team can organise to include your GP or local community health services in your video call to improve communication between everyone
- caring for your child
- support and advice for families/carers (e.g. symptom management or other concerns you may have)
- less travel and time spent attending the hospital and waiting for appointments.
Disadvantages of video call
A video call may not always be the best option for your child. The palliative care team may need to examine and assess your child in person, especially when they are unwell.
Poor internet connection can also disrupt the quality of the appointment.
The palliative care team will help decide which types of appointments are best for you and your child.
Video programs we use
We use a telehealth program called “My Virtual Care”. Occasionally we may also use a program called “PEXIP”. You will be advised and given information about your video call details prior to your appointment.
If you prefer face-to-face appointments
Families do not have to participate in a video call if they prefer to meet with their palliative care team in person.
Some families may like to use both telehealth and face to face appointments at different times depending on their circumstances.
What to do to organise a video call with your palliative care service
A paediatric palliative care staff member can help guide you through the process and organise a time to do a practice video call.
You will also need to ask your GP for an ‘indefinite telehealth referral’ to provide your palliative care team. This is important for Medicare billing.