Is in the house, or over the internet
‘The improved use of technology is making it easier for patients to see clinicians, reducing travel time and cost and improving efficiency — measures expected to make access to healthcare easier for everybody.
Cancer treatment centres are still running, but consultations that can take place online or over the phone are now doing so.
‘‘It is much better for people who live far away,’’ Laking says. ‘‘Looking after people from Kaitaia, it’s a long drive from Whanga¯rei.’’
Access to medical records and prescriptions can also be improved on, Large says.
The forum has advised the Government on the move to electronic prescriptions, without the need for signatures, as a result of coronavirus restrictions.
But ‘‘we could’ve done this years ago,’’ she says.
Dr Bryan Betty, of the Royal College of General Practitioners, says the majority of GP consultations have been over the phone, but more are moving to video.
GPs across the country moved to telehealth within days, as doctors strived to keep sick people out of waiting rooms to limit the chance of spreading the virus.
‘‘This has been a major disrupter and I feel if we get through Covid-19 this will be the way that the majority of processes continue.’’
In-person appointments will always be available, including for those who do not have internet access or are not tech-savvy.
‘‘The absolute key thing for the health sector is the continuity of care; having relationships with practitioners,’’ he says.
But those who live remotely, struggle to get time off work or organise childcare will find they have easier access to their GP.
‘‘For patients there is a real advantage and benefit.
‘‘It’s about choice.’’
A Wellington woman, who did not want to be named, found out she had kidney cancer under Level 4 lockdown with her elderly father in Taranaki.
Following a telehealth appointment, her Wellington-based GP Samantha Murton was able to refer her to get a scan in New Plymouth, and from there was referred to a specialist in Wellington.
The experience showed how efficient the health system can be.
‘‘I felt like I was getting timely care,’’ the woman says.
‘‘I realised that face-to-face is not really needed for everything.’’
Professor Les Toop, a GP and University of Otago researcher, has been moving between phone, video and in-person consultations from his Christchurch practice.
He triaged a skin issue via video consultation and organised for another patient to get a blood test over the phone.
But there are some things you can only do in person.
‘‘You can’t look in someone’s ear remotely, or touch a sore tummy,’’ he says.
‘‘Immunisations and screenings all need to happen in person.’’
Protecting patient information is also paramount, she says.
‘‘We certainly don’t want to be using things which we know harvest your data.’’
But for the appointments that can be safely taken online, it is a brave new world.
‘‘It is just the beginning,’’ Large says.