Virtual technology a game-changer for regional and metro healthcare coordination

An innovative partnership between our Occupational Therapy Department at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital between WA Country Health Service (WACHS) is helping to upskill allied health professionals in remote locations and enabling complex lymphoedema patients to receive care closer to home.

The program connects allied health clinicians in the Kimberley with an advanced practice lymphoedema occupational therapist via telehealth.

It follows the launch in November 2023 of a collaborative quality improvement project with WACHS, formalising previous ad hoc case discussions for complex lymphoedema patients.

Clinicians based at Derby, Broome, and Kununurra have been dialling in, harnessing digital technology to strengthen relationships with clinicians at our cancer centre.

WACHS Cancer Services Allied Health Coordinator Kate Bancroft said results from the six-month evaluation showed excellent engagement and a high level of satisfaction from participants.

“This is a great example of a successful cross-health service provider initiative resulting in significant benefits for both patients and staff involved,” she said.

“Staff within the program report significantly increased confidence supporting country patients with complex care needs.”

Lymphoedema is a long-term condition where a build-up of lymph fluid in the body's soft tissues causes chronic swelling.

Ms Bancroft said the collaboration was resulting in smoother transitions and better outcomes for patients returning home.