Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1694573603044.pdf (Australia)
Doctors on Demand Submission to the Parliamentary inquiry into transition from the ADF Executive Summary • Telehealth is developing at a rapid rate and the shift is towards mobile telehealth applications • Telehealth can benefit all Australians, but especially those in under resourced communities like our rural, remote and regional Australian communities Improving access to healthcare is critical to improving health outcomes • • Mental health care can and is being delivered via telehealth solutions Helping people transition from the ADF Transitional services following discharge have been identified as potential area of concern for veterans.
Mobile telehealth solutions could bridge the gap in transitional care – access to the health services needed by a veteran can be provided via mobile telehealth at the time when they are needed.

Continuity of care can be accommodated by providing access to health care professionals during service and as they transition to civilian life.
A system to meet the needs of future veterans Telehealth is a cost-effective alternative for healthcare by facilitating two-way, real time interactive communication between the patient and doctor, without geographic boundaries.

Telehealth provides many benefits for patients, doctors and the government, and although reduced costs is an easily measurable benefit, it is the benefit of improved healthcare and patient wellbeing that can have other benefits to society and the economy.
Telehealth is developing and changing at a rapid pace.

A transitional system which can adapt to integrate with telehealth to deliver a range of health services could drastically improve the wellbeing of veterans and their health outcomes whilst decreasing the cost of healthcare to the government and taxpayer.

The current Australian healthcare model limits telehealth services for specialist consults.
Whilst this is a great start for telehealth in Australia, there is a growing need for access to GP and other allied health services particularly for remote and afterhours patients.

Many allied health programs can be delivered via telehealth, including the treatment of mental health conditions.
The treatment of mental health conditions can be delivered in an effective and efficient manner via mobile health software, to allow serving members and veterans to access the specialised services they need when they need them, regardless of their geographic location in Australia.

Remote and under-resourced communities could benefit the most from improved access to healthcare.
Mobile telehealth applications can integrate with the government’s MyHealth records (PCEHR) enabling the ability to collect the full patient history in remote or regional communities to improve onsite care and collaboration between health professionals.
Access to mental health care via mobile telehealth applications can enable continuity of care during the member’s service in the ADF through to the transition period to the DVA in that the same provider can be accessed throughout the period as the delivery of services requires only an internet connection.

Inquiry into transition from the Australian Defence Force (ADF)Submission 39 Our service members are changing, our veterans are younger, and we have more female veterans.
The way we provide access to healthcare must change to meet the needs of future veterans.

Mobile telehealth is flexible, scalable and patient-centric and can keep pace with rapidly changing healthcare practices and needs of our service members and veterans.
Telehealth Benefits The following table details the key telehealth benefits: Improved access to healthcare More complete and accurate health records Better health outcomes Lower healthcare costs • • • • • • • • • Telehealth (mHealth) software Accessible from any mobile device "A Doctor in your pocket" Timely delivery of healthcare Telehealth integrates with MyHealth records (PCEHR) Available for all healthcare professionals (HCP), including psychologists, counsellors, rehab counsellors Telehealth is complementary to traditional healthcare - routine check-ups can be conducted using telehealth Telehealth can conduct third party video-conferencing to include specialists or other HCPs CSRIO findings estimate cost savings more than $3 billion per annum Easier to manage chronic diseases with a well-rounded approach and complete health records Telehealth will mostly advantage the following patient categories (but not limited to): • Afterhours patients • Patients who wish to receive confidential treatment • Remote patients Indigenous Australians • • Personal/ embarrassing conditions • Chronic disease management • Time poor patients Any patient using telehealth solutions sees the following benefits: Improved access to health services • • Reduced costs of healthcare • Reduced travel costs for remote patients • Timely delivery of healthcare • Improved collaboration between healthcare professionals and greater use of MyHealth records (PCEHR) to improve healthcare outcomes for patients • Streamlining administrative processes and thereby reducing costs Telehealth Software Traditional video conferencing technology is costly and commonly used by other telehealth providers.
By using mobile technology such as mobile phones and tablets, whilst maintaining the core capabilities required for telehealth, telehealth can be delivered at a much lower cost.

Inquiry into transition from the Australian Defence Force (ADF)Submission 39 Mobile telehealth applications can be incorporated with video communication and are easily updated and improved rapidly without costly upgrades to infrastructure.
These applications can be run from a web-browser or mobile application (App) and only require an internet connection.

The rollout of NBN coverage throughout Australia will improve accessibility, especially in remote communities.

Telehealth Programs The NSW government has already seen the benefits of delivery of mental health sessions over our mobile health platform.
We at Doctors on Demand are now assisting the employees of the NSW Education Department via iCare NSW to return to work after injury by conducting sessions over our platform.

We engage specialist back- to- work counsellors and allow them to deliver their sessions anywhere in the State at any time of the day.

In addition, we currently provide Telehealth services 24/7 to over 300,000 students Australia wide for GP and Mental Health Services.
We have partnered with over 2000 pharmacies nationwide for urgent delivery of medicines and have many B2B clients that utilise our platform.

We believe that a telehealth program could be rolled out to support our men and women who have served in the ADF to transition into employment in civilian life.
Submission by: John Martin CEO, Doctors on Demand Level 1, 40 Florence St, Teneriffe QLD 4005 PO Box 725, New Farm QLD 4005 f +61 7 3103 4665 w www.doctorsondemand.com.au Inquiry into transition from the Australian Defence Force (ADF)Submission 39