A new project at PA Hospital is aiming to increase care options for allied health patients, by equipping services and clinicians, while also evaluating needs and establishing core processes.
‘TeleECHO’ is led by Senior Speech Pathologist Renee Cook and has been focused on the broader integration of telehealth in allied health outpatient services.
“Despite mounting evidence regarding telehealth effectiveness, consumer satisfaction, and its benefits, the uptake particularly in allied health remains low,” Renee said.
“So, we’re advocating for a hybrid model of healthcare where consumers are engaged in decisions about how they receive their care, whether that’s in-person, telephone and video, or even email and SMS.”
“Whether it’s a mother managing complex family needs, an older patient gaining independence, or someone saving hours in travel time, we know telehealth is not just convenient; the flow on to everyone’s productivity is immense.”
The TeleECHO project looked at what influenced a clinician and consumer’s appetite to use telehealth, as well as what’s required to support telehealth, and had 17 allied health professionals from various disciplines on board to complete activities and mentoring.
It was also made possible thanks to the huge collaborative efforts between clinicians, consumers, researchers, and service support providers such as the Metro South Health Telehealth Team, Centre for Functioning and Health Research, and UQ Centre for Online Health.
“While we have only just started our formal analysis of the data following the completion of the 7-month project, there is no denying that a key outcome of the project is enhanced clinician confidence.
“That confidence not only relates to confidence with the technology, but confidence in the value proposition for consumers and clinicians’ abilities to support consumers to access the benefits of telehealth.”
Harnessing digital technologies such as telehealth is a key driver of Metro South Health’s Digital Health Strategy to improve access, insights and results.
Overall, MSH use of telehealth for non-admitted interactions grew 43 per cent between July and December 2024. A recent report also showed Allied Health services across MSH are contributing significantly with 84 per cent growth from July 2024 to March 2025.
It’s hoped the influences of the TeleECHO project will continue to contribute towards MSH’s telehealth growth by setting services up to build further capacity through a ripple effect within teams.
The health service already on track to achieve 9.2 per cent growth in the KPI of 40,000 non-admitted telehealth events.
Congratulations to TeleECHO project award winners:
- Most Engaged & Committed – Grant Easton & Orlaith Gallagher (Chronic Disease Podiatry – Logan, Bourke St, Inala)
- Standout Contributor – Thomina Thanner (PAH Social Work Kidney Services)
- Broadest Reach – Lili Tang & Fiona Bourke (Chronic Disease Service Physiotherapy)
- Most Sustainable Intervention – Erin Toon, Emily Madden, Catherine Peters, Conner McInnes (Rehab@Home/Community Services Team – MDT)
- Standout Solo Effort – Marnie Evans (QEII Women’s and Men’s Pelvic Health Clinic)
- Humble Achiever/Consumer Focused – Jen Boxall (PAH Speech Pathology Head & Neck Cancer Outpatients)